George Best's tragic life story to be made into TV film
27 Nov 2008, 1606 Hrs

Add comment          Mail          Print          Write to Editor

 

London, Nov 27 The rise and fall journey of flawed football genius George Best is poised to be made into a TV film for BBC2.

Upcoming actor Tom Payne will play the role of the late Manchester United and Northern Ireland star.

The shooting for the film began recently in Belfast.

The film would mainly chronicle the George's life in the 60s and 70s, focussing on his losing battles with alcoholism and his once-teetotal mum Anne.

"It is going to be very powerful and emotional but may be difficult to watch for some fans," The Mirror quoted a source as saying.

Award-winning writer Terry Caffola penned the semi-fictional account of the real events in George's life.

The screenplay charts the descent of Anne, palyed by The Street's Michelle Fairley alongside her son's meteoric rise to fame and subsequent fall.

"I'm excited and honoured to get the role," said Payne, 25.

Lorcan Cranitch, who played DS Beck in Cracker, will be seen as George's dad Dickie in the "sensitive study" of alcohol's impact. (ANI)