(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Cate Blanchett is set to reprise the role of Galadriel in The Hobbit: Part 1.

The stunning Australian actress appeared in the successful The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, which was based on the books by J. R. R. Tolkien and directed by Peter Jackson.

Peter is now reworking prequel The Hobbit, also by J. R. R. Tolkien, a fantasy story which features many of the characters from The Lord of the Rings adventure.

The film will reportedly begin shooting in New Zealand in February, with Entertainment Weekly revealing Cate will reprise the role of ethereal elf Galadriel.

"Cate is one of my favourite actors to work with and I couldn't be more thrilled to have her reprise the role she so beautifully brought to life in the earlier film," Peter beamed to Deadline.

Cate is the first of the big Lord of the Rings stars to be announced as a cast member for The Hobbit, which will be released in two parts.

British star Martin Freeman, who is best known for his appearances in quirky comedies such as The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, has previously been announced to star in the lead role of Bilbo Baggins.

Other names linked to the film include Sir Ian McKellen and Andy Serkis.

The Hobbit: Part 1 is expected to be released towards the end of 2012. (C) Cover Media