AceShowbiz - Movie bosses are still hoping to cast Martin Freeman in "The Hobbit" - they're set to delay filming to accommodate the star's busy schedule, according to reports. The British actor was forced to turn down the role of Bilbo Baggins in the upcoming Middle Earth epic due to commitments on BBC series "Sherlock", in which he plays the sleuth's sidekick Dr Watson.

But executives at New Line and MGM studios are determined to recruit Freeman and have reportedly proposed a new timeline which would allow the Love Actually star to be in New Zealand for the shoot. A source tells Britain's Daily Express, "It's hoped something will be worked out. It's widely felt that Martin is ideal for the role."