Florence Welch is being considered for a leading role in the new Star Wars trilogy.

The 26-year-old pop diva could be turned into an "overnight" movie star with reports she is being lined up for a huge part in the next installment of the long-running science fiction saga. "We think Florence has the exact style we are looking for. She has done some acting but it was her singing on stage that initially caught the eye. Almost every actress in Hollywood wants a role in the new movies but we are keen to cast people who are unexpected. Florence is being considered for a major part that would turn her into an A-list actress overnight," a source said.

The Florence + The Machine singer would star close to her London home with the recent news the series would be filmed in the UK, with shooting due to start next year.

The movie - planned for a 2015 release - is also expected to see the return of original cast members Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill.