CATE BLANCHETT - PREGNANT BLANCHETT TURNS DOWN MODELLING OFFER

Australian actress CATE BLANCHETT turned down the chance to model for up-and-coming designer PEPE ARELLANO - because she's too pregnant.

The VERONICA GUERIN star, who is expecting her second child with husband ANDREW UPTON in March (04), is flying to Spain to attend BARCELONA FASHION WEEK (2-8FEB04).

Due to her advance pregnancy, at seven months, Blanchett politely declined Arellano's offer to strut down the catwalk, but agreed to take a small role in the show.

A fashion insider says, "She decided that because she was heavily pregnant, she didn't want to tread down the catwalk.

"Instead she will wear one of Pepe's dresses and appear at the end of the show to present him with a bouquet. This is a massive coup for Pepe and Cate loves his designs."