Martin Freeman knocks back Hobbit' lead

The Office star Martin Freeman had to turn down a seven-figure paycheque to star in Peter Jackson's the Hobbit due to a timing clash.

Freeman, 39, currently stars in the UK series of Sherlock Holmes, playing the famous detective's loyal sidekick, Dr Watson.

Having committed to 20 weeks of filming for the BBC series, Freeman was unable to accept the lead role in Jackson's highly anticipated blockbuster.

"It was one of the most difficult decisions of his career. MGM, who are making the film, only got a formal offer over in the last couple of weeks," a source told The Sun.

"It was too late for Martin because he had already signed up for another series of Sherlock. It was agonising but he had no other choice."