It was reported late last year that Taylor Swift had beaten Lea Michele, Evan Rachel Wood and Scarlett Johansson to the role of Eponine in the forthcoming big-screen adaptation of 'Les Miserables' - but today it has been confirmed that none of the American A-listers have landed the part.
Instead it goes to Samantha Barks, who finished third in Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'I'd Do Anything' in 2009.
The show, which was won by Jodie Prenger, was aired on BBC1 in a bid to find a new Nancy for a revival of Oliver!. Since taking the bronze medal, Barks has gone on to play Eponine in the West End alongside X Factor's Lucie Jones.
Cameron Mackintosh made a surprise appearance on-stage during the curtain call at the Manchester Palace Theatre last night to tell both the audience and the unsuspecting actress of the news. She has been playing Nancy in Oliver!'s nationwide tour.
She wrote on Twitter: "Words cannot express how much I appreciate all the amazing support I have received from everyone! I haven't stopped smiling!! :) :) :)"
Barks joins international talent such as Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Eddie Redmayne, Helena Bonham Carter and Amanda Seyfried on the cast list. Tom Hooper ('The King's Speech') is directing, and the film is due on December 7 in the US.
Watch Samantha on 'I'd Do Anything' below:
Taylor Swift goes to London... not for 'Les Mis' rehearsals, after alll
Entertainment News