BOND GIRL GEMMA READY TO SCALE THE HEIGHTS

She is said to have been cast as Cathy Earnshaw in a big screen remake of Emily Bronte’s novel Wuthering Heights, a part made famous in the 1939 version by screen siren Merle Oberon.

Gemma, 23, whose screen credits have ranged from special agent Strawberry Fields in the latest James Bond film Quantum of Solace to head girl Kelly in St Trinian’s, taking in that other tragic heroine Tess of the D’Urbervilles for television along the way, is said to have beaten Sienna Miller for the part.

Playing alongside Gemma in the role of tragic lover Heathcliffe, immortalised in the earlier film by a brooding Laurence Olivier, will be 21-year-old Ed Westwick, fresh from his success in the American TV series Gossip Girl.

The script is by Olivia Hetreed, whose credits include Girl With A Pearl Earring.

“The chemistry between Arterton and Westwick will be just staggering,” revealed an executive of Han Way Films, the company handling sales at the Cannes Film Festival.

“Arterton is known for a restrained sensuality which leaps off the screen at you, while Westwick simply drips sex.

“Casting was crucial and I would say they have got it exactly right.

“Screen magic so often relies on technology these days but you can be sure Arterton and Westwick will make it the old-fashioned way.”