Lindsay Lohan to play Elizabeth Taylor in television film

Lindsay Lohan is to play Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor in a new film about her life, US network Lifetime Television has confirmed.

The project, called Liz & Dick, will be based on the story of her romance and two marriages to Welsh actor Richard Burton.

The British actress died at the age of 79 in March last year.

"I have always admired and had enormous respect for Elizabeth Taylor," said Lindsay Lohan in a statement.

"She was not only an incredible actress but an amazing woman as well."

The actress, who made her name in the film Mean Girls, leaked the news about her role last month in an interview and posted a picture of herself dressed as Taylor on Twitter.

Lohan recently appeared on US comedy show Saturday Night Live and landed a guest spot on Glee.

The 25-year-old was released from five years of formal probation last month over a 2007 drink-driving case.

She has been trying to change her image recently after being in and out of jail, rehab and court.

Elizabeth Taylor met Burton on the set of the 1963 film Cleopatra.

They began a passionate love affair that made headlines around the world.

They married and divorced twice over the years.