Katie Holmes is to play Jacqueline Kennedy

The 31-year-old has signed on to play John F. Kennedy`s stylish wife in upcoming History Channel TV special The Kennedys. The programme will investigate the famous political family and is due to premiere in the US next year.

Greg Kinnear will play John F. Kennedy, while Tom Wilkinson will take on the role of family patriarch Joe Kennedy Sr. Barry Pepper has also signed to play Robert F. Kennedy.

TV executives are thrilled to have secured the all-star cast and think people will be extremely impressed with the finished series.

"When History announced this ambitious project in December, our goal was A-list auspices behind and in front of the camera," network President and General Manager Nancy Dubuc said in a statement. "The amazing cast we announced today...is emblematic of that goal."

Katie is said to be excited about the project, and can`t wait to start shooting later this year.

sections: Celebrities