Hit show starring James Corden ‘to be made into a film as host of original cast members are approached to reprise their roles’
Classic drama Fat Friends is reportedly going to be made into a film starring a host of the original stars.
The Sun reports that actor James Corden, 45, has been approached to reprise his role as Jamie Rymer along with his Gavin and Stacey co-star Ruth Jones as Kelly Chadwick.
Fat Friends followed a group of friends as they struggled to slim down at a weight loss club in Leeds and ran for four series from 2000-2005.
It also starred actress Gaynor Faye, who played Lauren Harris, Alison Steadman – who also worked with James on Gavin and Stacey as Pam Shipman -, and Lisa Riley as Rebecca Patterson.
It comes after the show’s much-loved writer Kay Mellor died last May aged 71. She was also known for creating The Syndicate and Band Of Gold.
Fun: Classic drama Fat Friends is reportedly going to be made into a film starring a host of the original stars including James Corden (pictured)
Crew: The Sun reports that actor James, 45, (top left) has been approached to reprise his role as Jamie Rymer along with his Gavin and Stacey co-star Ruth Jones as Kelly Chadwick (bottom right)
A source told the publication of the planned show: ‘James and Ruth on screen again is the reunion everyone wants, albeit not Gavin and Stacey. The cast were all approached about filming a movie version and an early script has been written and is ready to go.
‘If it gets the green light, James will reprise his role as Jamie Rymer, while Ruth will play Kelly Chadwick again.
‘The film would also be a huge tribute to Kay who helped change so many of the cast’s lives. They all would love to do something to thank her for her brilliance. It’s still early days but a very exciting project.’
James’ reps have been contacted for comment.
James famously worked alongside Ruth as his lovable character Smithy in Gavin and Stacey while she played his on-off love interest Nessa. They both worked as writers for the show too.
Actress Gaynor recently confirmed she will be taking part.
She said on Steph McGovern’s Channel 4 show Packed Lunch: ‘We’re revisiting the characters and it’s really exciting. Hopefully we’re shooting it next year.’
The show helped propel James to stardom and was his first big break in the industry.
Idea: Fat Friends followed a group of friends as they struggled to slim down at a weight loss club in Leeds and ran for four series from 2000-2005
Pal: James famously worked alongside Ruth as his lovable character Smithy in Gavin and Stacey while she played his on-off love interest Nessa. They both worked as writers for the show too
Stars: A source told the publication of the planned show: ‘James and Ruth on screen again is the reunion everyone wants, albeit not Gavin and Stacey’
When she sadly passed away last May James said that Kay ‘changed his life’ when she cast him in Fat Friends – as he and Ruth led tributes to the TV writer following her sudden death.
Yorkshire-born ‘luminary’ Mellor, one of Britain’s finest TV writers and a trailblazer for British working class drama over the past three decades, passed away on May 15, having written hit series after hit series including Band of Gold, Playing the Field, Fat Friends and The Syndicate.
She earned an OBE in 2009 and was awarded the Writers Guild Award for Outstanding Contribution to Writing in 2014.
Her work helped transformed the careers of many young British stars including James, Jude Law, Samantha Morton and Ruth, who said last May: ‘British television has lost one of its greats’.
James wrote on Instagram at the time: ‘Kay Mellor sadly passed away today. She was the most generous, kind and loving person. An exceptionally gifted writer.
‘She changed my life when she cast me in Fat Friends on ITV. She saw something in me that no one had before that point. She gave so many people their first chances.
‘I have the fondest memories of being on set with her. She will be missed by so many. My thoughts are with her family and friends at this time x.’
Cast: It also starred actress Gaynor Faye, who played Lauren Harris, Alison Steadman – who also worked with James on Gavin and Stacey as Pam Shipman -, and Lisa Riley as Rebecca Patterson (pictured)
Sad: It comes after the show’s much-loved writer Kay Mellor (pictured) died last May aged 71. She was also known for creating The Syndicate and Band Of Gold
Kind: The show helped propel James to stardom and was his first big break in the industry. He paid tribute to her when she died last year (above)
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