Louis Tomlinson: 'Playing Jamie Vardy would be golden opportunity'

Pop star Louis Tomlinson hints he has nabbed the leading role in an upcoming biopic about soccer star Jamie Vardy, calling the gig a "golden opportunity".

The One Direction singer and avid soccer fan has been on the shortlist to play the beloved athlete in a planned biopic of Jamie's amazing rags to riches story.

Although Louis, 24, didn't exactly confirm the casting news, he suggested he may have edged out actors such as Zac Efron, Robert Pattinson and James McAvoy for the role while attending the sportsman's wedding to Rebekah Nicholson last week (25May16) in Cheshire, England.

Shots of Louis happily standing next to the newlyweds on their big day were published in the latest issue of Hello! magazine, and in the interview, the singer opened up about the possibility of portraying his pal on the big screen.

"It's a golden opportunity," Louis said. "Jamie's story is incredible - he's incredible. He's a lovely guy, very easy-going and such a great example for anyone who thinks they can't follow their dreams. For a football fan, any kind of involvement in a story like Jamie's is exciting."

Jamie, 29, has delighted British soccer fans with his story, which has seen him rise to stardom from amateur football to starting for England and helping club Leicester City become 2015-2016 English Premier League winners.

Louis attended the nuptials with his girlfriend, actress Danielle Campbell, and other stars on hand to witness Jamie and Rebekah tie the knot were rapper Tinchy Stryder, Kasabian's Sergio Pizzorno, and other members of Jamie's Leicester City team.

If Louis does sign up for the film, it would mark his acting debut. He would follow in the footsteps of his One Direction bandmate Harry Styles, who is currently focusing on an acting career of his own.

The singer has started work on his first film, Dunkirk, and was spotted on set wearing a uniform typical of a private in the British Army for the World War Two drama.

The feature, directed by Christopher Nolan, focuses on the heroic evacuation of troops from French beaches in 1940. Harry's co-stars include Tom Hardy, Kenneth Branagh, and Cillian Murphy.