SPY: Sir Ian McKellen in Hobbit

Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf. Photo / Supplied

Legendary British actor Sir Ian McKellen is expected to reprise his role as Gandalf in the long-awaited movie The Hobbit and shooting is believed to be starting in New Zealand in January.

It's a big sense of relief for Lord of the Rings fans who believed the trilogy's prequel might never make it to production following director Guillermo del Toro's exit and the studio's financial problems.

McKellen, who received an Oscar nomination for his role as the wizard Gandalf, told The Bolton News: "The aim is to start filming [The Hobbit] in January."

UK actor Martin Freeman (The Office) has been reportedly offered a seven-figure salary to play Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson's Hobbit, but British newspaper the Sun announced last week that he declined the offer because of a scheduling conflict. He has signed up to play Dr Watson in the BBC series Sherlock.

But sources close to the production on The Hobbit say New Line and MGM studios, which are backing the films, have made Freeman a new offer with a revised shooting schedule and negotiations are under way.

Too much Soper sway?

Precious treasure Barry Soper went and got himself a young bride 33 years his junior and they posed, sucking face around the house in a women's rag spread that was cheesier than a Manchego factory.

While his missus, Heather DuPlessis-Allan, has since ditched the opportunities for self promotion and kept her head down and focussed on a flourishing reporting career, her old man has relied on her to play chauffeur in the family Jag. He was fined and disqualified from driving after being arrested for drink-driving.

Dupes is happy to haul her beloved around. Evidently he's been a big influence on her. Last week the 25-year-old blonde tweeted: "I'd like to one day own a lifestyle block and listen to Vivaldi while having a cup of tea on a sunny morning with the French doors open. Nice." What next? A glass of sherry after the darning?

Smells like team spirit

Rugby flanker Onosa'i Auva'a composed a song for the Auckland rugby team and it was recorded at a music studio in Parnell last week with his team-mates providing backing vocals. The boys invited Spy into the studio for some exclusive pics - see them here.

Auva'a, who has already recorded a solo easy listening album, provided the lead vocals. It will be launched on the big screen at the Auckland v Hawke's Bay game next month.