Hopefuls bid for chance to play Heathcliff

But yesterday casting directors were in Leeds looking for a young, unknown actor to take the role of Heathcliff for a new film version of Emily Bront's classic tale of love and loss.

Actors also auditioned for the roles of the young Cathy and young Heathcliff.

The film's casting director, Gail Stevens, previously allocated roles for the 2009 hit Slumdog Millionaire.

A number of hopefuls yesterday auditioned at the Jury's Inn, Brewery Wharf in Leeds city centre. Some had come from as far afield as London.

One to audition was Phoebe Tissiman, 11, of Garforth, Leeds, who said: "I saw the film with Heathcliff and it was really sad and I just loved it."

For the part of Heathcliff the casting team want someone between 16 and 21, from Yorkshire, of mixed race, Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi or Middle Eastern. They are looking for a young Heathcliff of the same background aged from 10 to 13.

Producers said the young Cathy should be "pale-skinned, fair-haired and feisty", also aged between 10 and 13 with a Yorkshire accent.

Actress Kaya Scodelario, best known for TV series Skins, has been cast as Cathy.

Filming is due to start in Yorkshire in May.

Auditions will also take place at the Jury's Inn at 9am today.