TV CHIEFS CRITICISE CASTING OF ELLEN PAGE IN JANE EYRE

TV CHIEFS CRITICISE CASTING OF ELLEN PAGE IN JANE EYRE

The casting of JUNO star ELLEN PAGE as the lead in a forthcoming BBC Films adaptation of JANE EYRE has angered UK TV bosses, it has emerged.

According to the Daily Express, industry insiders feel that the part should have gone to a British actress rather than Page, who hails from Canada.

The publication quotes a source as saying: "No one is doubting Ellen Page's acting abilities, but why a BBC movie of Jane Eyre couldn't have a British actress in the lead is pretty hard to stomach.

"It's not as if we don't have enough talented young actresses here who could play the role."

According to the Independent, Brit actors and actresses will be cast in the supporting roles.

A BBC spokesman defended the casting of Page, saying that the well-known character of Jane would not be turned into "some Jersey teenager".

ELLEN PAGE rose to fame last year, playing JUNO in the critically-acclaimed film of the same name.

She was Oscar-nominated for her role as the pregnant teen.