Carrie Fisher's daughter cast as Princess Leia

Carrie Fisher and Billie Lourd. Photo / Getty Images

Carrie Fisher's daughter Billie Lourd has been cast in Disney's eagerly anticipated Star Wars: Episode VII.

The 57-year-old actress reprises her role as Princess Leia in the upcoming latest instalment of the sci-fi series, which is currently being filmed at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, southeast England.

And although her daughter Billie Lourd, 21, is a relative unknown, director JJ Abrams is said to have chosen her to play a young version of her mother's character because of their visual similarities.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Billie flew into the UK to join her mother earlier this month.

"She will even have her hair tied up in Princess Leia-style buns. She's an aspiring actress and singer so she grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

"Carrie backed the move as she wanted somebody in her family to play her most famous role."

Lourd - whose father is entertainment agent Bryan Lourd - will feature in flashback scenes as a younger version of Princess Leia, hero Luke Skywalker's sister, whom her mother portrayed in the first three Star Wars films.

Abrams has also created walk-on parts for his father Gerald and father-in law James H McGrath Jr, who both appeared in Star Trek under his direction.

Meanwhile Harrison Ford is recovering after breaking his leg on set and will soon begin rehab.

Ford was injured a week ago during filming of the much-anticipated sequel at Pinewood Studios outside of London.

The accident involved a spacecraft door falling on the 71-year-old actor's leg.

Ford's Han Solo pilots the Millennium Falcon, which is returning in Episode VII.

The film is scheduled for release in December 2015.

- Daily Mail