Meryl Streep has been transformed for her role as former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher - complete with the Iron Lady's trademark hairdo.

The Hollywood star is playing Baroness Thatcher in a biopic being made by Mamma Mia! director Phyllida Lloyd.

Meryl said: "The prospect of exploring the swathe cut through history by this remarkable woman is a daunting and exciting challenge."

She went on: "I am trying to approach the role with as much zeal, fervour and attention to detail as the real Lady Thatcher possesses - I can only hope my stamina will begin to approach her own."

The film, called The Iron Lady, also stars Jim Broadbent as her husband Denis.

Other members of the cast include Anthony Head, Richard E Grant and John Sessions.

In a statement, the film's publicists said it is the story of "a woman who smashed through the barriers of gender and class to be heard in a male-dominated world".

Filming began on location in the UK on January 31.

Other real-life figures played by Meryl in previous movies have included chef Julia Child in Julie And Julia.