The heavily pregnant actress is set to start filming 'Nine' - based on the stage musical of the same name - after she has the baby and director Rob Marshall says she is relieved other big names in the cast will help take the spotlight off her.

Rob - who won an Oscar for directing 'Chicago' - said: "Nicole is in incredible shape. Have you seen her? There's hardly a bump.

"She loves the idea of doing this. It's kind of nice that she doesn't have to carry the entire movie on her shoulders."

The film also stars Penelope Cruz, Dame Judi Dench, Marion Cotillard and Sophia Loren and the director admits he has his handful with so many leading ladies.

He told a British newspaper: "I think it's going to be a balancing act."

Daniel Day-Lewis also stars in the film, which starts rehearsals in August, and Rob claims his leading man is a great dancer.

He said: "This man knows how to kick it."

[View our pics of Nicole and Keith in love]