Stranger Things star Charlie Heaton to star as the Elephant Man in new BBC1 drama
IT’S been a hit on stage and film, and now the Beeb is bringing the sad and fascinating tale of The Elephant Man to TV.
The BBC1 biography will star Stranger Things actor Charlie Heaton as Joseph Merrick, whose disfigurements from a rare combination of diseases led him to be displayed in Victorian freak shows.
British-born Charlie will start filming later this year in Wales after finishing his commitments for series three of Stranger Things on Netflix.
He said: “This is such a special role and a challenge for any actor. Joseph has such an incredible story and I can’t wait to bring him to life.”
The two-part drama, set to air next year, will be very different to previous versions of The Elephant Man, who has been portrayed by Sir John Hurt, David Bowie and Bradley Cooper.
A telly insider said: “Other interpretations have focused on Joseph in adulthood, but this will take you right back to his childhood and outline just how tragic his life really was.
“It offers a broader understanding of how he came to be the source of so much intrigue, as well as a target for cruel people who wanted to exploit him to make themselves money.”
Joseph, who originally came from Leicester, ended up in a freak show in Whitechapel, East London, after his mother died and his father abandoned him.
He was eventually taken into the care of Dr Frederick Treves at the London Hospital, receiving posh visitors, including the then Princess of Wales.
Joseph died aged 27 in 1890 but his legend lived on, with obsessed fan Michael Jackson reported to have once tried to buy his contorted skeleton.
Charlie, who comes from Yorkshire, may not have the same profile as other actors who have taken on the role. But last year Stranger Things became the most streamed show in the world.
And I’m sure he’ll become a household name after he takes on this iconic role.
must watch
- WHAT? David Walliams Presents: Return Of Alright On The Night, ITV, 9pm.
- WHY? Out-takes and bloopers from the nation’s favourite TV shows in this comeback of the series formerly fronted by Denis Norden.
Soap diversity bogles Sandi
GOGGLEBOX star Sandi Bogle reckons telly’s top soaps aren’t diverse enough.
The reality TV favourite said she would like to see more characters of different races to reflect real-life communities.
Sandi said: “We need more in Emmerdale, Coronation Street and EastEnders. We need different races.
“You don’t see any Chinese actors, hardly any Indians. I’ve got to say it as it is. They need to make more effort to bring people in. We need more culture.”
She added: “I want to empower minorities and I hope they see me on TV and think they can do anything.”
The telly fan swapped South London for the countryside earlier this year to film 5Star’s Celebs On The Farm.
She said: “It was a real challenge. I had to clean a pig. I did a little bit of twerking to calm it down because it kept moving.
“I still enjoy my bacon sarnies, though.”
soapbox
BELLE and Lachlan are excited after putting in an offer on a house in EMMERDALE – until Priya mentions she’s hired a dog patrol for the glamping site.
A worried Lachlan sneaks through the woods and watches the security guard walk away before heading towards the cabin where he held Rebecca.
Meanwhile, in Coronation Street Johnny and Jenny admire their names over the door of the Rovers Return and spread the word that they are going to turn it into a gastropub.
Elsewhere, Sean tells Billy about his homelessness but is angry when Billy gets Eileen to come to the hospital and insists he doesn’t want their charity.
Christine is camera reddy
CHRISTINE McGuinness looks red hot as she steps out in her home town Blackpool.
The Real Housewives Of Cheshire star was visiting a salon in the seaside resort for a make-up masterclass.
Christine, who is married to Take Me Out host Paddy, will guest star on the ITVBe show, featuring wealthy residents of the northwest county, when it returns this autumn for its eighth series.
She’ll be joined by veterans Tanya Bardsley, wife of Burnley ace Phil, and Dawn Ward, whose hubby Ashley used to play for Blackburn Rovers.
bizbit
YOUNG rappers in Blackpool will strive for stardom in C4’s new three-part documentary It’s Grime Up North. The channel’s also commissioned a new series of The Big Narstie Show and drama The End of the F*****g World.
Louis's Rovers Return
HE caused a stir when briefly appearing in Coronation Street earlier this year, and I can reveal that Brookside legend Louis Emerick is returning to the cobbles.
The popular actor will reprise his role as cabbie Mike Thornberry, who was Liz McDonald’s love interest, after being well received by fans.
Louis, who is currently touring the UK with a stage version of The Full Monty, will begin filming scenes next month.
A TV source said: “Producer Iain MacLeod felt that Louis’s character had more to give and wants to involve him in a major storyline.
“Producers want to test the water and see if he could be a more permanent fixture.
“His character Mike will reveal the extent of Liz’s affair with married Johnny Connor in the Rovers Return to a room-full of shocked locals.”
It sounds like a meaty autumn storyline.
Priya in Emmerdale mentions she's hired a dog for the glamping siteMeanwhile, in Coronation Street Johnny and Jenny admire their names over the door of the Rovers Return and spread the word that they are going to turn it into a gastropub.
Elsewhere, Sean tells Billy about his homelessness but is angry when Billy gets Eileen to come to the hospital and insists he doesn’t want their charity.