Bonham Carter in frame for Miss Havisham role

Helena Bonham Carter is in negotiations to star as Miss Havisham in a movie version of Charles Dickens' 'Great Expectations'.

The British actress - who was nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 'The King's Speech' - has entered talks to play the isolated spinster in a film directed by Mike Newell.

Jeremy Irivine is thought to be up for the leading role of Pip, although there is no suggestion yet as to who will play Estella, his love interest.

The story - about an isolated spinster who lives in her wedding dress after she was jilted at the alter - has been adapted in the past, including a 1988 version starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Ethan Hawke and a 1946 adaptation with John Mills and Alec Guinness.

Production on the movie is slated to start at the end of the year ahead of a 2012 release.

Bonham Carter's only other forthcoming project is partner Tim Burton's 'Dark Shadows' as the role of psychology specialist Dr Julia Hoffman.