(Cover) - EN Movies - Benedict Cumberbatch has landed a role in The Hobbit, according to Martin Freeman.

Martin, who stars as Bilbo Baggins in the upcoming two-part adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's novel, announced the news backstage at the BAFTA Television Awards 2011 in London this weekend.

The British actor, who co-stars with Benedict in television drama series Sherlock, let the secret slip after Benedict had previously remained tight-lipped on the subject.

Martin confessed he had made a mistake shortly after letting the news slip.

"I knew I was a sort of a big mouth but I didn't realise to what extent I was a big mouth, and I've just ruined everything," he told the BBC. "I might not actually go back to a job - they might have just sacked me."

The fantasy film, which recently began production in New Zealand, follows Bilbo Baggins as he journeys to the Lonely Mountain accompanied by a group of dwarves to reclaim a treasure taken from them by the dragon Smaug.

The Hobbit helmed by director Peter Jackson has welcomed a whole host of newcomers to the cast alongside a number of familiar faces. Sir Ian McKellen will reprise his role as Gandalf the Grey, Cate Blanchett will return as Galadriel, Andy Serkis will play Gollum and Elijah Wood will briefly appear as Frodo.

The Hobbit: Part 1 is set for release in 3D in December 2012, while the second part will hit screens in December 2013. (C) Cover Media