Renee Zellweger to star in The Hustler in West End

Renee Zellweger is heading to London's West End in a new stage adaptation of Paul Newman's classic film The Hustler, according to a report.

The Bridget Jones's Diary star has reportedly been cast in the role played by Piper Laurie in the 1961 movie as part of a new stage production which is due to open in the autumn, according to the Daily Mail newspaper.

In the film, Newman starred as pool-player and hustler 'Fast Eddie' Felson, while Laurie played his girlfriend in roles which won them both Academy Awards nominations.

The play version will mark Zellweger's first high-profile foray into theatre. Rumours previously suggested she would be appearing in The Hustler on Broadway.