EAR AND THERE: Peter Jackson has confirmed Orlando Bloom will be back as Elven warrior Legolas in The Hobbit.

Orlando Bloom will be joining the cast of the Hobbit movies, Sir Peter Jackson confirmed this morning.

Bloom will reprise the role of the elf Legolas which he played in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Sir Peter said on his Facebook page.

"Ten years ago, Orlando Bloom created an iconic character with his portrayal of Legolas.

"I'm excited to announce today that we'll be revisiting Middle Earth with him once more. I'm thrilled to be working with Orlando again."

"Funny thing is, I look older-and he doesn't! I guess that's why he makes such a wonderful elf," Sir Peter said.

The first Hobbit movie is set for release in December 2012 and the second for December 2013.