Beyoncé Knowles to play Etta James in new movie

Bootylicious babe Beyoncé Knowles is set to play legendary singer Etta James in a new movie, it has been revealed.

The 26-year-old Destiny's Child singer has agreed to take on the lead role in new Hollywood drama Black Voices.

The singer - who is dating hip-hop mogul Jay-Z - is to star as jazz legend Etta, whose most famous hits include 'I Just Want To Make Love To You' and 'At Last'.

An insider revealed: "Beyoncé is a massive fan of the superb Etta. She’s honored to play her."

The new flick explores Chicago in the 1950s, charting the lives of American musical legends such as Muddy Waters and the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley.

It'll be yet another impressive film role for the the singer, whose last big screen hit was Dreamgirls.