Mandy Moore, currently lighting up a variety of Thameside locations filming upcoming rom-com Swinging With The Finkels, took time out to give Empire an update on progress with Disney's first 3D musical Rapunzel.

The actress/singer/designer, whose already-crowded CV is about to be adorned with the job title 'Disney Princess', has begun work on her Rapunzel voicepart for the Mouse House's adaptation of the classic Brothers Grimm tale. "I've started it but I'll do the bulk of the work when I get home," she said.

So what can we expect from the long-locked royal? "She's sort of the quintessential sassy, feisty Disney heroine. She's quite modern, quite a curious girl as well," says Moore of the once-entowered princess. "She's just coming into her own and is anxious to figure out a way to see the world around her that she's been kept away from for so many years."

Rapunzel is Disney's 50th animated feature and long-term passion project of Disney honcho John Lasseter, but Moore isn't feeling the pressure. "I just feel honoured to be in such good company. Being a Disney Princess is kind of every girl's ultimate dream."

And Moore's favourite Disney princess? "I was always really fond of the Little Mermaid growing up, so I would probably have to go with Ariel."