Troubled comedian Michael Barrymore has been signed up to play actor Leslie Grantham in a major biopic of the actor's life. Grantham, known to millions as "Dirty Den" in the Eastenders series on BBC television has had a colourful life since being imprisoned for murder in 1967. In 2004, Grantham was found to have been involved in an on-line sex scandal, which caused major embarrasment.
But Michael Barrymore is also no stranger to controversy. A recovering alcoholic, Barrymore's career went off the rails after the death of meat inspector Stuart Lubbock in Barrymore's swimming pool in 2001, following severe anal injuries. Despite speculation of a gay orgy that ended in death, Barrrymore was acquitted of involvement in the incident.
Speaking of the casting of Barrymore in the new biopic, director Oliver Stone said "Michael is an ideal choice to play someone with a multi-layered and complex life. He is naturally delighted to have secured the role." The film will apparently be a no-holds-barred look at Grantham's life and influence and is set for release next year.
Former Doctor Who star Paul McGann has launched a fierce attack on newly appointed Blackburn Rovers manager Paul Ince. In a statement issued by McGann, the actor asked "What do we know about this guy, anyway? He hasn't been vetted and may be unprepared to meet the challenges of leading such an important team." McGann also added "What about international matches? How do we know he will represent our interests? I heard a rumour that he prefers rugby to football - it may be untrue, but it certainly gives cause for doubt."
This week, Paul Ince became the first ever black manager of a major English football team - in 1993, he bacame the first ever black player to captain the England squad. During his career as a football player, Ince played for clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool and West Ham United.
