Nicole Kidman to star in film version of Before I Go To Sleep

Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman will star in the new film adaptation of a Black Country author's debut novel. Before I Go To Sleep will go into production later this year.

Other stars including Cate Blanchett and Angelina Jolie were rumoured to be in the running for a part in the film, which is based on the best-selling book by Steve Watson, of Stourbridge.

It will be produced by Ridley Scott and written by Rowan Joffe, whose previous hits include Brighton Rock and The American starring George Clooney.

The makers will head to the Cannes Film Festival this week to start promoting the project.

Mr Watson started writing the book as a hobby while working as an audiology specialist and now admits he may never return to his old job.

The book shot to number one in the Sunday Times paperback chart after being chosen by Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan for their Book Club.

The 39-year-old, who writes under the name SJ Watson, has scooped a host of awards including the Galaxy Best Crime/Thriller gong, beating Ian Rankin and Martina Cole.

The popular novel tells the story of a woman who wakes up to find that she does not recognise her life and she is married to a complete stranger.

The tale is inspired by amnesia cases Mr Watson encountered while working at St Thomas Hospital in London.

Mr Watson said: "I still can't quite believe what's happening.

"To actually be able to say that A list stars are appearing in an adaptation of my book is amazing.

"The script is fantastic. It's really exciting."