Burnley-born Sir Ian McKellen has said he will reprise his role as Gandalf in the two-film adaptation of JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit.

The Lord of the Rings star told Empire magazine it was not a part to turn down.

"Yes, it's true," he said, when asked if he was set to return.

"Obviously, it's not a part that you turn down, I loved playing Gandalf."