Sophie McShera in talks for Cinderella role

Los Angeles: `Downton Abbey` actress Sophie McShera is reportedly in talks for a role in Kenneth Branagh`s `Cinderella`. The actress, who is best known for playing kitchen maid Daisy in `Downton Abbey`, may star in Disney`s forthcoming live action adaptation of the classic fairytale, playing one of the titular character`s evil stepsisters, according to The Hollywood Reporter. McShera is in negotiations to join `Great Expectations` actress Holliday Grainger, who is set to play the other mean stepsister, in the film. The new adaptation will see McShera`s `Downton Abbey` co-star Lily James play the lead role of Cinderella, while `Game of Thrones` hunk Richard Madden is set to play the handsome prince who sweeps her off her feet. Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett is also attached to star in a leading role as Cinderella`s evil stepmother, who, along with her daughters Drisella and Anastasia, constantly ridicules the kind-hearted protagonist. McShera has starred in all three seasons of hit period drama `Downton Abbey` and will reprise her role as Daisy for the fourth season which is currently being filmed. `Cinderella` will begin shooting in London later this year for a 2014 release date. The movie marks Disney`s latest fairytale movie following the success of 2010`s `Alice in Wonderland`, based on Lewis Carroll`s book of the same name, and `Wizard of Oz` prequel `Oz the Great and Powerful`. PTI