Top actress 'will play Umbridge'

An Oscar-nominated actress has been cast to play Harry Potter's rival Professor Umbridge in the Order Of The Phoenix film, according to reports.

Imelda Staunton was being interviewed on television when she said that she had been cast in the role.

She said that she had not yet seen a script, but that she was set to start filming for the 5th movie in January.

Imelda can currently be seen playing Mrs Blatherwick in Nanny McPhee.

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She also provided the voice for Bunty in 2000's Chicken Run.

She made her comments on ITV's This Morning show.

Order Of The Phoenix is expected to hit the cinema screen in summer 2007.