Scots heart-throb EWAN McGREGOR has signed up to appear in a new film based on the life of ALFRED HITCHCOCK.The film will focus on the director’s early years growing up in London, and how he went on to work with Hollywood legends CARY GRANT, JAMES STEWART and GRACE KELLY.Hitchcock is best known for his pioneering work in the horror/thriller genre, which started with his classic 1960 movie PSYCHO, and continued with other well-known suspense-filled works such as THE BIRDS and VERTIGO.The film is due to start filming later this year (06), with British actor MATT LUCAS of the satirical comedy LITTLE BRITAIN tipped to play Hitchcock.

While haggis, a traditional delicacy comprising a stuffed sheep’s stomach, may not be to everyone’s taste, there’s no denying its central role in traditional Scottish culture. Indeed movie heart-throb Ewan McGregor, who originally hails from the Highland town of Crieff, was clearly thrilled at being the man chosen to offer it a personal address.

The SIR ELTON JOHN-scored musical BILLY ELLIOT is leading the pack for next month’s (26FEB06) Laurence Olivier Awards with nine nominations – closely followed by the EWAN McGREGOR-starring GUYS AND DOLLS, with eight nods.Scottish star McGregor has been nominated for Best Actor In A Musical, but faces stiff competition from Billy Elliot cast members JAMES LOMAS, GEORGE MAGUIRE and LIAM MOWER, who are all nominated in the same category.Fellow West End productions DON CARLOS, HEDDA GABLER and MARY STUART all received six nominations.President of the Society of London Theatre Rosemary Squire says, “(The list) demonstrates what an array of theatrical talent we have in London Theatre.”The 30th Laurence Olivier Awards will take place at the London Hilton hotel and be presented by veteran British actor RICHARD WILSON.contactmusic.com