Celeb chef Jamie Oliver declined Peter Jackson's offer to be hobbit

TV chef Jamie Oliver has revealed that he declined Peter Jackson's offer to play a hobbit in the on screen adaptation of JRR Tolkien's tale.

The naked chef said he was asked to cook at the director's 50th birthday party and was offered the role in exchange for the honour, the Independent reported.

Oliver said that despite looking forward to the prospect of taking his costume home to impress wife Jools, he had to reject Jackson's offer as he had work commitments.

The first edition of the six-part series - filmed in a pop-up cafe on Southend pier - is to be screened on January 2.