New movie role for Russell

Russell Brand is to star in a spoof movie version of Jane Austen’s Pride And Prejudice.

The film, Jane Austen Handheld, will also mark the big-screen acting debut of Lily Allen.

The singer will play Lydia Bennett, while Brand plays her lover George Wickham.

Stephen Fry also appears, as Lydia's father. It is his production company, Sprout, which is making the film.

The script retells the story of Pride And Prejudice, as if shot by a fly-on-the-wall documentary crew.

The lead roles of Lizzie Bennett and Mr Darcy have yet to be cast, but filming is due to start in the spring.

The film will also mark the directorial debut of Tristam Shapeero, who has previously worked on Green Wing, Peep Show and Brass Eye.

Brand's movie acting career is about to take off, playing Flash Harry in the new St Trinian's film, and starring in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, which is due out next year.

Published: 2 Oct 2007