Jack O’Connell and Sam Claflin will also star in the BBC film, which is based on the story of Manchester United’s Busby Babes.

David Tennant and Dougray Scott are to star in United, a BBC film based on the true story of Manchester United’s legendary “Busby Babes” eight of whom were killed in the 1958 Munich air crash.

Tennant is taking on the role of coach Jimmy Murphy, whilst Scott will play Manchester United manager Matt Busby.  Other cast members include Skins actor Jack O’Connell as Bobby Charlton, and Screen Star of Tomorrow Sam Claflin as star player Duncan Edwards.

The film, which has been commissioned for UK television channel BBC 2, is being directed by James Strong and written by Chris Chibnall. Shooting is currently taking place in the North East of England.

Produced by The History Boys producer Julia Stannard and executive produced by World Productions’ Simon Heath and the BBC’s Polly Hill, the film is being backed by BBC North, Lip Sync, and Content Film.

It will draw on first-hand interviews with the survivors and their families to tell the inspirational story of a team and community overcoming terrible tragedy.

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