..in new Richard Curtis movie

Hugh Grant is being lined up to play a fictional Prime Minister in a new comedy from Richard Curtis.

The role in Curtis's ensemble piece Love Actually would be the latest collaboration between the actor and writer which began with Four Weddings And A Funeral.

But this time Curtis will direct, too ­ his first time behind the camera.

Emma Thompson is in talks to play Grant's sister in the film, according to Varierty.

The film, which starts shooting in September, follows ten stories over two months, each climaxing on Christmas Eve.

Grant will play a bachelor PM who falls in love with a tea girl on his first day in Downing Street.

Producer Duncan Kenworthy said, "I'm delighted to be joining forces with Working Title on another Richard Curtis romantic comedy, and to collaborate again with Richard and Hugh. I know Richard will make an excellent front-seat director. And with 20 leading roles in the film, it will be exciting to work with a really wide range of talented British actors."

Published: 20 Mar 2002