Sigourney Weaver is to play a stripper in her next film.

The 'Avatar' star has revealed she is set to sign up for a top secret new project in which she will portray an exotic dancer dealing with getting older.

Sigourney, 60, said: "There's a project which sees me as an ageing stripper. But I can't say a lot about that one. It's going to be a surprise! I'm also playing the leading role in a film by Nicholas Roeg."

The actress - famous for her action-packed roles, including playing Ellen Ripley in the 'Alien' movies - is keen to take on the part because she feels more attractive now than ever before.

She added in an interview with Tele 5: "I feel sexier than ever. I used to be really insecure. I hope I'll live up to a 100 years. I never wanted to be like James Dean - die young and be famous afterwards."

Unlike many of her contemporaries, Sigourney has never felt her advancing years have had a negative effect on the work she is offered.

She said: "I don't try to look young at all costs. Why should you cast a 55 year old looking like a 35 year old, when you can cast a 35 year old to begin with? If you look like 55 and feel comfortable with it, you will get casted. My roles have become more interesting with time."