Keira to play Diana

Keira Knightley rumoured to be playing Diana Princess of Wales in biopic due for release next year

According to reports Keira Knightley is in the race to bag the role of Diana, Princess of Wales, in a new biopic on the royal slated for release in 2011.

Knightley is one of the many actresses, including American Scarlett Johansson, being considered for the part. 

Helen Mirren is said to be playing Francis Shand Kydd, Diana's mother.

Pathe', the film company behind The Duchess, in which Knightley played Georgiana, fifth Duchess of Devonshire and a relative of the Princess of Wales, have started working on the feature.

The film is due for release in 2011, which would have been Diana's 50th birthday.