Camilla Luddington - a British actress whose previous career highlights include a bit part in an American soap opera - has been cast to play Kate Middleton in the royal wedding movie, according to reports.

Camilla will star in the television film about the royal romance being made by US TV network Lifetime.

She has previously had minor roles in American shows including Days Of Our Lives and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

The production, which will be called William And Kate, stars New Zealand-born actor Nico Evers Swindell as the prince.

It is rumoured the Prince of Wales will be played by British performer Ben Cross, best known for his portrayal of the Olympic athlete Harold Abrahams in the 1981 movie Chariots of Fire.

A synopsis of the movie says: "The film chronicles the history of William and Kate - from the moment the two students met at Scotland's prestigious University of St Andrews, through the ups and downs of their nine-year courtship complicated by social and Royal Family pressures, and intense global media attention surrounding their storybook nuptials."

It is thought the movie will be broadcast around the time of the royal wedding on April 29.