Keira Knightley to play the Duchess

Keira Knightley is going back in time again - to play 18th century English socialite Georgiana Spencer.

The actress, who has donned period costume after period costume in films like Pirates of The Caribbean, Pride and Prejudice and Atonement, will team up with Ralph Fiennes for The Duchess.

Spencer, The Duchess of Devonshire, was renowned for her extravagances, a gambling addiction and her part in the French Revolution.

Unfortunately, her life was so rich, much of the scandal attached to her has been left out of the film, according to Knightley.

The actress says, "We didn't have the budget to go to the French Revolution. You could make five films out of her life."