By james art
BAFTA Television Award winner Chris Cottam will direct The light is fantastica new ballroom comedy film starring Jeremy Irvine, Rupert Everett, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and Leighton Williams. Cornerstone will launch worldwide sales of the film at the American Film Market (AFM) in Las Vegas.
Inspired by a true story, The light is fantastic follows Jason (Irvine), a gay firefighter in his mid-30s who aspires to become a professional ballroom dancer. Set in Blackpool, the story chronicles his journey of self-discovery as he challenges ballroom traditions under the watchful eye of his traditional instructor Reynolds (Everett).
The film will feature choreography by the famous mother and son dance duo Mark and Shirley Ballas. It is threefold Dancing with the stars winner, she is the head judge on the UK version of the show, Strictly come to dance. Debbie Gray (Good luck to you, Leo Grande) will produce for Genesius Pictures, with principal photography to begin in the UK in early 2025.
The screenplay was written by Lee Warburton whose credits include Shameless, This is going to hurtand Scott and Bailey. The previous director Cottam The problem with people. Irvine is best known for his roles in A war horse, The railwaymanand Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!