The singer Madonna is receiving a helping hand from ex-husband Guy Ritchie in casting an odd-sounding film about Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson. Ritchie looked over the screenplay for the movie - called W.E. - and suggested his former wife seek meetings with several well-respected actors such as Mark Strong and Toby Kebbell, who both had major roles in Ritchie's last film, RocknRolla. Madonna has written the movie with Alek Keshishian, who directed the egomaniacal performer in the documentary Madonna: Truth Or Dare in 1991 when she was, it must be said, pretty mega. Madonna will also direct the movie. A couple of agents who represent distinguished thespians sought reassurances that Madonna was not going to act in the picture as well. 'She would have said if she was to be in it. It's a game-changer. Some find it difficult to act opposite her. Ask Rupert Everett,' a denizen of Soho told me yesterday. W.E. is described as a romantic comedy about a woman called Wally Winthrop. The synopsis of W.E. states that Wally was 'named for her grandmother's passion' and there are fantasy and flashback scenes involving Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson who, after the Abdication, were styled the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. There's a lot of dialogue between the Duke and Duchess, but my guess is that the screenplay will be re-written before shooting commences next year. I'm presuming W.E. stands for Wallis and Edward. Other segments of the film have Wally Winthrop marrying a paediatrician. She then attends an event featuring items that belonged to the Duchess of Windsor where she finds herself falling for a security guard. Madonna has several meetings planned this week and next with various actors and actresses. She needs to cast a star name to help boost the budget. In this climate, Madonna's name alone won't guarantee a picture will be financed. A suggestion that David Tennant would be in W.E. was met with the acronym C.R.A.P. (for complete rubbish and p***)