Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall in talks to play Princess Jasmine in Guy Ritchie’s live-action Aladdin movie
LITTLE MIX star JADE THIRLWALL is in talks to play the part of Princess Jasmine in GUY RITCHIE’s upcoming live-action Aladdin adaptation.
The Hollywood role would be a dream for the Disney-mad pop star.
But if she is cast, it could spell disaster for fans of the chart-toppers’ music, as filming the movie would play havoc with their plans.
So much so that we discovered that, on Monday, the foursome sat down for a heart-to-heart to discuss what it could mean for the band’s future.
And our sources said that while talks were “emotional”, PERRIE EDWARDS, LEIGH-ANNE PINNOCK and JESY NELSON were keen to support Jade.
One told us: “Jasmine is Jade’s perfect role, so she’s delighted to have got this far in the process. The talks have been going on for some time now.
“And the longer they go on, the better her chances are looking. All of the girls have their fingers crossed for her, as they always support each other. But they also know that it would be a huge commitment.
“Jade would need to film for months, and that’s before promotion for the movie began.
“So this week they sat down in a break from their tour dance rehearsals and talked about what they might do if Disney did decide to cast her.
“It was quite an emotional conversation. But they all agreed that they would try to make it work for her around Little Mix commitments.
“It wouldn’t be easy, but as far as it’s possible, that’s what they want.”
Last year it was announced that — after the success of JON FAVREAU’s Jungle Book — Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels director Guy was in talks about a new version of 1992 Disney favourite Aladdin.
(No, we didn’t see that coming either.)
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And earlier this year a casting call for the flick revealed that Guy was looking for two acting “newcomers” to play the title role and Jasmine. Meanwhile WILL SMITH is rumoured to be in talks to play the Genie.
And with filming expected to begin in July, final casting decisions are believed to be imminent.
Our source went on: “If Jade does get the call, there will be some serious celebrating in the Little Mix camp. But they will also have some big decisions to make.”
Little Mix, who next week will release single Power from their fourth album Glory Days, are set to kick off a European tour in October.
And, given the girls are so busy, we reckon it’s a smart move Jade has targeted a role in Aladdin.
If she is going to juggle her day job with Hollywood, she might need a magic carpet.
READ ON FOR THE REST OF LAURA ARMSTRONG AND EMMA BRANKIN'S BIZ ON SUNDAY COLUMN
Shirley's fears
NEW Strictly head judge SHIRLEY BALLAS was “tormented with worry” when dancer son MARK was confronted by an armed stalker.
Mark had to protect his then partner SHAWN JOHNSON when gun-wielding Robert O’Ryan stormed a TV set in the terrifying 2009 incident.
A source said: “Mark was involved and named in court documents and Shirley was terrified for her son when she heard.
“Mark ended up with a temporary restraining order request filed as there was concern he was a target.”
Cannes fairy tailors
THE Cannes Film Festival red carpet has turned into a Disney diva-fest after stars wore fabulous princess-style dresses.
RIHANNA looked as if she’d asked her fairy godmother to sex up Cinderella’s classic ball gown with a high leg split.
And model SARA SAMPAIO had a Maleficent vibe from the ANGELINA JOLIE film, in her gothic vampy black dress.
But KRISTEN STEWART went for an edgier look while KENDALL JENNER and BELLA HADID were the belles of the ball as they had fun at the Chopard Space Party on Friday.
Next week we’re hoping to see some Pocahontas or Ariel-inspired looks.
Rita's pick 'n' mixers
RITA ORA sure has a type – tall, handsome and good with a mixing deck.
The star keeps being romantically linked to producers (most famously CALVIN HARRIS) and pals are concerned about her ties to DIPLO and current collaborator ANDREW WATT.
They explained: “Rita and Diplo have a very flirty friendship that goes back years.
“But when they held hands at the Met Gala people assumed it was a romance. That included Diplo’s ex, KATY PERRY. But Rita insisted they were just pals.
“She’s also growing close to Andrew who worked on the upcoming album.
“Friends were concerned there could be another Calvin situation if she dated and then broke up with him and he decided to withhold the music they’d worked on.
“But, again, Rita says they are only friends.”