Oscar-winning actress DAME Helen Mirren was only cast in a new epic movie because Meryl Streep turned down her part.

The star plays the wife of War And Peace author Leo Tolstoy in new movie The Last Station, but she wasn't director Michael Hoffman's first choice for the role.

But Mirren insists she is unfazed by the knowledge she failed to make the top of Hoffman's wish list - and instead the knock back inspires her to work even harder to prove herself.

She says, "Michael, I know very well that you offered the part to Meryl Streep before me, but it just makes me want to work all the harder.

"It's a really great role, and Meryl: I'm afraid you made a big mistake."