Emma Watson films her first role outside of Harry Potter...to play another schoolgirl

The 17-year-old actress must be counting the days until Hermione Granger, her character in the Harry Potter films, abandons her tie and crisp white shirt.

So you would think the ankle socks and bunches she wears for her latest role might account for the disgruntled expression on Miss Watson's face.

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Emma Watson, 17, dons a school uniform yet again for her role in the BBC drama Ballet Shoes

Far from it. Like many a young girl, she fell in love with Noel Streatfield's novel Ballet Shoes.

And she is thrilled to be playing the part of the orphaned Pauline Fossil in the BBC's adaption.

"I think the books are really special and could not let such an amazing project go. I loved Pauline from the start," she said on her website.

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Emma stars opposite Victoria Wood as orphan Pauline Fossil in the adaptation of the children's book Ballet Shoes

The doleful expression on her face as she wandered around the set in navy frock coat and beret is thought to have been purely for the camera. She replaced it with a smile during breaks in filming.

The feature-length film, set in 1930s London, tells the story of Pauline and her two sisters, who are adopted by an eccentric explorer, played by Richard Griffiths.

To get into character, Miss Watson has taken ballet lessons and dyed her hair white blonde.

The young actress, who is still at school, has amassed a £10million fortune after appearing in the five Harry Potter films, based on JK Rowling's novels.

Last month she was unveiled as the cover girl for the magazine Tatler.

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A make-up artist makes sure Emma is picture perfect for her close-up

The model agency Storm was quick to sign her up while Chanel is rumoured to be considering making her its new face.

Miss Watson's Potter co-stars have been considerably more successful at putting their schooldays behind them.

Daniel Radcliffe, 18, who plays Harry, and his sidekick Ron Weasley, played by 19-year-old Rupert Grint, have both given up their studies for acting.

Emilia Fox and Victoria Wood also appear in Ballet Shoes, to be sceen on BBC1 later this year. Screenwriter Heidi Thomas said: "Emma is a magical actress. We're thrilled to have her on board."

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Despite being worth £10 million and one of the UK's most famous teenagers, the level-headed star harbours ambitions to study at Oxford University when she leaves school