Jessica Biel lands 'Easy Virtue' role

Rex Features

Jessica Biel has landed a lead role in British romantic comedy Easy Virtue.

The actress will play an American divorcee, who meets and marries a British man on the spur of the moment.

The couple then have to return to the UK and confront their parents with the news.

Easy Virture is based on a Noel Coward play, and has been adapted for the big screen once before by Alfred Hitchcock.

Ben Barnes will play Biel's British husband, while Colin Firth and Kristin Scott-Thomas will have the role of Barnes' parents.

The movie is due to start shooting next week in London.