By KIMBERLEY DADDS
It was only a fortnight ago that the stars of The Hobbit took to New Zealand to hold the world premiere of the latest Tolkien saga in the franchise.
And knowing how popular the film proved in its home country, the cast were no doubt expecting big things as they took to the streets of London on Wednesday night for the UK screening.
True to form Cate Blanchett lead the glamour for the royal film performance of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
She wowed the crowds as she stepped on to the green carpet in a stylish floorlength winter white Givenchy gown, ensuring she was wrapped up more for the London winter than she was for New Zealand's summer at the original November premiere.
Cate, 43, did, however, vamp up her look with a backless cut out detailing showing off some flesh to the excitable crowd.
The actress, who plays Galadriel in the Middle Earth drama, finished off her look with her blonde locks in a simple up 'do, while carrying a cute clutch bag.
And she was joined on the special green carpet by co-star Sir Ian McKellen, who just a day ago revealed he was secretly diagnosed with prostate cancer six to seven years ago.
The Hobbit actor, 73, admitted he hasn't had any treatment for the disease, but is examined regularly and it is 'contained'.
He admitted he originally feared the worse when doctors first told him he had the disease, but his concerns were soon allayed.
And he seemed to have put his worries far from his mind as he greeted the crowds and photographers at the extravaganza in Leicester Square on Wednesday evening.
Cuddling up to Cate, McKellen smiled widely in his dapper outfit to celebrate the latest screening.
A whole host of other stars gathered in the West End for the royal UK premiere of the new Hobbit film.
The Duke of Cambridgealso joined them and attended alone as his wife Kate, whose pregnancy was announced last week, continued to rest at St James's Palace from acute morning sickness.
source: dailymail
