She rose to fame as lovestruck Rhonda in the insurance commercials, played maverick magazine maven Nene King in Magazine Wars and now actor Mandy McElhinney has been cast to take on what could be her most controversial role yet: Gina Rinehart.

Production on the telemovie House of Hancock is due to get underway in two weeks, with a likely airing date later this year on Channel Nine.

Producers have finalised casting of the lead role, with McElhinney winning out over several other leading ladies who had been vying to play Gina.