Samantha Barks has been cast as the character Eponine in the forthcoming Les Miserables film, a role which had been rumoured to be going to Taylor Swift.

Barks, 21, is relatively unknown but took part in the BBC1 show I'd Do Anything in 2008, finishing third. Handpicked for the role by director Tom Hooper (The King's Speech) she joins A-Listers Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway on the cast list.

The young actress is ideal for the role, having played Eponine for a year in London's West End between 2010-2011.

Samantha was told the news on Tuesday night (July 31), immediately Tweeting to say: "Most incredible moment of my life!!!!"

Other actresses linked to the big screen role included Scarlett Johansson and Glee's Lea Michele.