Russell Brand is set to star in a new Carry On film.
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The 32-year-old comedian is in secret talks to play a Simon Cowell-style music impresario alongside stars including Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding in Carry On To The Next Round, the first film in the famous British comedy series for 16 years.
A source said: “Lots of stars have been sent scripts for the new Carry On film. It’s a romantic comedy involving three judges on a reality talent show who argue constantly. One of them then falls for a contestant. Russell’s role is based on Simon Cowell.”
Harding – whose band Girls Aloud shot to fame on reality singing show Popstars: The Rivals in 2002 – is expected to play Viv, the contestant who steals Brand’s heart.
It would not be the first time the pair have starred in a movie together. Last year, Brand and Harding both featured in St. Trinian’s, another big screen revamp of a classic British comedy.
The new Carry On film is also expected to feature The Office star Martin Freeman and Gavin and Stacey actor Matthew Horne.
It will be the first movie in the Carry On series since Carry On Columbus in 1992.
The series enjoyed huge success between 1958 and 1978, with director Gerald Thomas and producer Peter Rogers creating 29 films based on farcical, slapstick humour.
In 2003, Rogers announced plans for a new movie called Carry On London but production never began.
Last year, it was announced the next Carry On project would be ready for release by the end of 2008.
