Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford will play the lead in a movie remake of Footloose, it has been confirmed.

Director Kenny Ortega, who was behind Michael Jackson's ill-fated comeback, said Crawford was in training in New York for the film.

"He's doing dance training and physical training," Ortega told the BBC.

"We have a great teacher working with him there - he wanted it, he loves it."

The 24-year-old is due to play Ren McCormack – the role made famous by Kevin Bacon in the 1984 original version of the film.

Shooting on the project is due to begin next March and Crawford will film the part alongside his commitments to Gossip Girl.

The movie, which is due to open next summer, was originally set to star Zac Efron, but the High School Musical star pulled out earlier this year.