Elijah Wood's Hobbit role confirmed

Elijah Wood will appear in 'The Hobbit', it has been confirmed.

The 29-year-old actor - who played Frodo Baggins in the 'Lords of the Rings' film franchise - will definitely appear in the forthcoming movie prequel, despite his character not featuring in the original J.R.R. Tolkein novel.

Producers are rumoured to have written the film with an opening sequence in which Frodo begins to read about his uncle Bilbo Baggins' adventures.

A statement by Elijah's representatives confirmed his involvement and also revealed that he is set for a busy few months as he will also feature in a TV mini-series of 'Treasure Island' alongside Eddie Izzard.

The statement read: "Wood is confirmed to star in Peter Jackson's 'The Hobbit', to be shot in New Zealand. In addition, he has signed on to play Ben Gunn in Stewart Harcourt's adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Treasure Island' along side Eddie Izzard.

"The two part/ four hour miniseries will be airing on Sky TV in the UK."

Filming for 'The Hobbit' - which will be split into two parts and also stars Martin Freeman and Cate Blanchett- is due to begin in New Zealand next month.