While Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow are both known for their love of England, it's the Shakespeare In Love star who has won the role of one of the country's most notorious diamond thieves in a new movie.
The two stars were both angling for the part of Joan Hannington, an Eighties-era con-artist known as The Godmother who stole millions by posing as a wealthy shopper, swapping real gems for fakes when jewellers' backs were turned. However, it is Gwyneth who has come out on top, much to the delight of the real-life Joan.
Now a 46-year-old antiques dealer, Joan – who served 18 months in prison for her crimes – minced no words as she explained why she preferred the American Oscar-winner to play her over Madonna. After opining on the singer's less-than-acclaimed acting skills, she said: "Madonna can't do a Cockney accent and Gwyneth can. Same as me, she's a mimic… I'm happy that she's doing it. I think she will do me justice. She's very lucky to be playing me."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
