Taylor Swift won't star in film version of Les Miserables

Taylor Swift has lost out on the role of Eponine in Les Misérables the movie to broadway star Samantha Barks

We were beyond excited to see Taylor Swift singing her heart out in the movie adaption of Les Misérables, but it has now been confirmed broadway star Samantha Barks will play the role of Eponine. It had been rumoured Taylor Swift was first in the running for the lead role, with close competition from Glee actress Lea Michelle and Hollywood beauty Scarlett Johansson.

But it turns out none of the American favourites have been offered the role, because the British broadway star Samantha Barks was confirmed last night to play Eponine.

Barks, who first made her name in I’d Do Anything, the BBC search for a new ‘Nancy,' has already played the Les Mis part in London's West End and at the 25th anniversary concert alongside Nick Jonas.

Producer Cameron Mackintosh announced the news live on stage at the Manchester Palace at the end of last night's performance of Oliver, in which Barks is currently playing Nancy.

Broadwayworld.com reports that he told the cast and audience he had a big announcement to make before flying to America, and then revealed that Barks would be taking the role of Eponine.

Barks is understandably thrilled and tweeted her joy soon after the curtain call: 'Most incredible moment of my life!!!! X'

Samantha's former castmate, and X Factor contestant, Lucie Jones, who played Cosette in the West End, tweeted: 'I've never been so proud I'm literally BURSTING!!! TEARS and everything!!!'

The 22-year-old takes the last of the remaining lead roles in the star-studded film directed by the Oscar-winning King’s Speech director, Tom Hooper.

Barks will co-star alongside Hugh Jackman, as male lead Jean Valjean, Russell Crowe as Javert, Eddie Redmayne who will play her love-interest Marius, Sacha Baron Cohen as Thenardier, Amanda Seyfried as Cosette, Anne Hathaway as Fantine and Helena Bonham Carteras Madame Thenardier.

Do you think this cast will make a good Les Mis line-up? Tell us what you think in the comments box below...

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WATCH Samantha Barks singing On My Own as Eponine in the video below...