The BBC has revealed further details of its biopic of well-loved comedian Kenny Everett, two years after the commission was first announced.

 

The BBC4 drama The Best Possible Taste is being billed as “lifting the lid on the complex life” of Everett, who died from an AIDS-related illness at just 50.

The corporation described it as “a celebration” of his life and work, told with the help of some of his most famous character creations, including Sid Snot and Cupid Stunt.

The 90-minute programme has been penned by new script writer Tim Whitnall and is being produced by Mammoth Screen for BBC Wales, with newcomer Oliver Lansley [pictured] and Coronation Street actress Katherine Kelly playing Everett and his wife Lee Middleton.

The show, which was commissioned back in 2010 by BBC4 controller Richard Klein and drama controller Ben Stephenson, is now filming in London under the direction of James Strong (United).  

Executive producers are Damien Timmer and Michele Buck for Mammoth and Faith Penhale for BBC Wales.

Klein said: “Kenny Everett was a genuine original: wild and un-focused maybe, but also deliciously anarchic and always entertaining. In many ways Kenny was a very modern celebrity, wearing his heart on his sleeve while coping with a complex life. Re-evaluating this talented and exuberant personality, enabling audiences to re-consider Kenny’s undoubted impact and legacy, makes this a very BBC4 drama.”

This story was originally published by Broadcast.

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