IT’S set to be one of the biggest blockbusters ever – so film chiefs are taking no chances when casting a vast army to appear in Jodie Comer and director Ridley Scott's new Napoleon drama Kitbag.

The A-list film’s makers are calling for ultra-fit extras to portray the French emperor’s war machine, but they only want the real deal and are laying on an X Factor-style knockout boot camp where tough guys can prove their worth.

The chance to work alongside glamorous Jodie — recently seen as care home worker Sarah in Channel 4 Covid drama Help — should provide plenty of extra motivation for the hopefuls, who have been urged to grow their hair and beards before the filming starts early next year in order to achieve the “period look”.

In an advert for film wannabes, Kitbag’s producers say: “All are required to attend vigorous military boot camp training in this historically accurate period drill.”

The best candidates will be invited back for more high-profile appearances in the movie in February and March — while presumably the weakest ones will be taken out and shot. But then I guess that’s just showbiz . . . 

The casting call adds: “We will train you but it is essential that you are physically fit — ideally suited to sportsmen.” And it seems likely that Jodie too will want to be in top shape for her role as Napoleon’s famously passionate lover Josephine in the epic production.

In October I revealed that she will be stripping off for her most daring scenes so far, as she and leading man Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon Bonaparte get stuck into portraying the couple’s notoriously raunchy love affair.

And sources say it will be the most graphic role to date for Bafta-winning Killing Eve star Jodie, who has already appeared in a French-set epic historical Ridley Scott drama this year — The Last Duel, with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.

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A source said: “Jodie has done sexy roles before but nothing like this, it’s really pushing the boundaries. But she felt it was right for the character and has thrown caution to the wind on it.”

The film, set for release in 2023, is an epic adventure but also highlights the love story – and often volatile relationship – between the military leader and his one true love.

An insider added: “They had the sort of love affair where they wanted to rip each other’s clothes off and kill each other at the same time. It’s very raunchy stuff. Jodie is absolutely perfect.”

I’m sold on this one already.

ED’S JEPIC FOOTIE MATCH

ED SHEERAN could hang out with any star he wanted to in Los Angeles – but he had a kickabout with X Factor jokers Jedward instead.

The Irish twins shared these snaps on Instagram, revealing they had spent the day playing football with their unlikely pal, who previously admitted he is a surprising fan of the duo.

They wrote: “Got to play with my Ipswich Suffolk Hero . . . He’s got the moves, always a busy bee but makes the time to play football.

“We’ll have to invite Elton John next time. The Christ-mas song is a JEPIC classic.”

Seeing Elton on that pitch is the only thing that could make that situation more surreal.

LIFE LESS PAYNEFUL

LIAM PAYNE may have finally turned a corner after not having the best of years.

The One Direction singer has insisted he is “well and training hard” after parting ways with his management company amid fears he was partying too much.

I told last month how Liam had been dropped by top agency KIN – which masterminded David Beckham's business empire – after trying to carve out a solo career following the band’s split in 2015.

Now I’m happy to say Liam is in a better place and putting his health first. Writing on social media app Discord, he revealed he has been focusing on getting in better shape.

A source said: “In 2019 Liam was super-focused on his fitness and went to extremes, like only eating white fish ahead of his underwear campaign, but obviously that’s not sustainable and then lockdown happened.

"He’s now back on the fitness wagon and has a great team of personal trainers. As a thank you he splashed out on Hugo Boss goodies for them. He is determined to bounce back.”

Liam is enjoying some down time in San Antonio, Texas, after flying to the US to celebrate the 22nd birthday of his girlfriend Maya Henry’s brother.

Liam proposed to model Maya in August 2020 after two years of dating, but called it off in June. They were back on in August. I’m sure 2022 will be a better year.

Kylie is back in studio

KYLIE MINOGUE is already hard at work on new tunes just a month after she released the updated version of her album Disco.

I can reveal she spent time in a London studio last week working with top songwriter Biff Stannard, who she collaborated with on some of her top hits including In Your Eyes and Love At First Sight.

She was also joined by Duck Blackwell, who has worked with The Wanted and Olly Murs.

The original release of Kylie’s 2020 album Disco went to No1 and was the fastest-selling album by a solo act of the year.

She is planning to return to Melbourne in Australia in the coming weeks but has said she is already thinking about her next album, which she wants to have an electro-pop sound.

Kylie has been apprehensive about touring amid changing Covid restrictions, so I can’t see her hitting the road again for a while yet. With that in mind, I wouldn’t be surprised if fans get another album before she’s filling arenas again.

Drake: I Gram off

DRAKE has pulled out of the Grammy Award nominations after his spat with the organisers last time around.

His album Certified Lover Boy was up for Best Rap Album and Way 2 Sexy in the running for Best Rap Performance at next month’s ceremony.

But the rapper said he no longer wanted them to be considered. Drake has not explained his decision but in November last year he criticised the event for not giving nods to The Weeknd.

He also said it ought to be replaced by a different style of awards show.

He said: “We should stop allowing ourselves to be shocked every year by the disconnect between impactful music and these awards.

“This is a great time for somebody to start some-thing new that we can build up over time and pass on to the generations to come.”

SAWEETIE REVEALS A HOLE NEW LOOK

SAWEETIE shows she can’t always pull off the perfect look – with laddered tights.

She did an impressive 11 outfit changes at the MTV EMAs last month but The Best Friend rapper had a wardrobe malfunction as she appeared on stage at 101.3 KDWB’s Jingle Ball.

It didn’t matter, though, as she still wowed watching fans in Minnesota, US, with her high-energy performance.

Saweetie recently discussed the work on her upcoming debut album, which is fast becoming one of the most talked-about records of 2022.

She said: “One of my goals is for people to really feel something with every song, so I had to go back and reconstruct some songs.”

The record, Pretty Bitch Music, was slated for release this month but was delayed at the last minute. Saweetie added: “Just know that I’m a perfectionist and it’s on the way.”

THANKS, GEORGE

ROMAN KEMP has George Michael to thank for being brought up in Britain.

The Capital Breakfast DJ has revealed that the late superstar kicked off after his mum and dad, Shirlie and Martin, once said they were moving to Los Angeles with the children.

After a blazing row, George – who was godfather to Roman and his sister Harley – persuaded them to stay in the UK. Roman, who was “14 or 15” at the time, said: “This huge row kicked off between my mum and George. I’d seen them argue before, but this was pretty big. And so much so that I think he actually stormed off.

“I remember seeing him drive away. It was all about, ‘You can’t take your kids there. Don’t put Harley and Roman in that world. They need to be as far away from there as possible.’ I’m grateful for that. I couldn’t be happier that I didn’t go.”

But Roman admitted George would often leave his parents frustrated at Christmas time. He told the At Your Leisure podcast: “George would bring gifts for me and my sister and there would be this awkward moment. His gifts were way better than my parents’.

“My dad bought me a bike, he bought me a Batmobile.”

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