Harry horror as Potter star Radcliffe discovers whole new chamber of secrets

Susan Hill's best-selling novel is being adapted for the big screen by Kick-Ass writer Jane Goldman, who is married to Jonathan Ross.

The movie will be produced by film makers Hammer, responsible for blood curdling cult classics such as Dracula and The Curse of Frankenstein.

Radcliffe, who described his new job as "thrilling", will play Arthur Kipps, a young lawyer who is ordered to travel to a remote corner of the UK to sort out a recently deceased client's papers. But as Kipps works alone in an old and isolated house, he begins to uncover its "tragic secrets".

His unease grows further when he discovers that the local village is held hostage by the ghost of a scorned woman set on vengeance.

The film is due to go into production this autumn and will be directed by Eden Lake film maker James Watkins.

Yesterday's confirmation follows widespread speculation that Radcliffe, who found fame as a child actor playing the bespectacled wizard, was to take the role. He has starred in all the Harry Potter feature films based on the JK Rowling publishing phenomenon.

The 20-year-old actor said: "I am incredibly excited to be part of The Woman In Black.

"Jane Goldman's script is beautifully written - both tender and terrifying in equal measure.

"It is thrilling to be working with James Watkins.

"From his brilliant work on Eden Lake, I know he will make a fantastic film."