The Bodyguard's Keeley Hawes 'thrilled to bits' about new project

It’s official. Keeley Hawes has signed on the dotted line to join the cast of Ben Wheatley’s new version of the Daphne Du Maurier classic Rebecca.

The Bodyguard star took to Twitter to announce the news, saying “Thrilled to bits and so grateful to be working with the incredible #BenWheatley again.”

Read more: Keeley Hawes ‘didn’t stop laughing’ with Richard Madden in Bodyguard sex scenes

Fans and fellow actresses were quick to congratulate the award-winner, who has been cast alongside Handmaid’s Tale’s Ann Dowd. With Susan Wokoma, Hawes’ co-star in new Channel 4 comedy drama Year of the Rabbit, saying: Blimey! Make sure you have yourself a G&T at some point! Exciting!!! Xx”

Meanwhile fans were very excited about the on-screen combination of Hawes and Kristin Scott Thomas. With one commenting, “Can’t wait to see you and Kristin Scott Thomas working together!”

This will be second time Hawes has worked with director Wheatley, who is know for his gothic works such as They last collaborated on High Rise, starring Tom Hiddleston.

Read more: How ‘High-Rise’ Director Ben Wheatley Got Tom Hiddleston, His Other Actors to Take High Risks

While it hasn’t been announced what part the redhead will be playing, one can only hope that it will be role of Rebecca herself. Lily James will play the second Mrs De Winter, Armie Hammer her husband Max, and Kristin Scott Thomas, the scheming housekeeper mrs Danvers.

Du Maurier’s thrilling melodrama tells the story of a shy young woman, who marries a mysterious older man, only to find the shadow of his dead wife haunting their relationship.

The story has often been adapted over the years, most notably with Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine in the leads. That version, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, also won the Oscar for best picture in 1940.