A computer-generated image has beaten all of Hollywood's leading ladies to star opposite Al Pacino in his forthcoming film, Simone.

Filmmakers said that they could not find the right actress for the role, and that it would be easier and cheaper to make a virtual star.

Suggestions that this will set a dangerous precedent for female actors working in the film industry were quickly put down.

Some of the cattier observers have suggested that one of the main reasons this digital heroine poses no threat to real life stars is that the public is more interested in the extra curricular activities of the Hollywood elite, than their acting ability or their films. ®