London, Sep 17 (IANS) Christina Hendricks and Jenny McCarthy are reportedly among the actresses battling to play tragic star Anna Nicole Smith in an upcoming movie.

TV bosses at US-based Lifetime network are bringing the actress' story to the small screen in a biopic, and a number of famous faces are in contention for the lead role.

"Mad Men" star Hendricks and McCarthy are said to be the frontrunners to play Smith, who died at the age of 39 in 2007, following a drug overdose, reports contactmusic.com.

"They are neck and neck. The producers love them both and it could come down to a final audition to determine who will get one of the most sought-after parts in Hollywood right now," said a source.

"Both women really wowed the producers, who were especially bowled over by how strikingly similar Christina with a blonde wig looked to Anna Nicole," the source added.