No effing way. Hugh Bonneville's in line for a role in the Mrs Brown's Boys movie? Hugh BONNEVILLE? As in the Earl of Grantham. Well once again that's me stumped for words; as ever, the enduring popularity of Mrs Brown's Boys confounds me. The good thing is this news comes from camp O'Carroll. Bonneville is who he has in mind, but he hasn't yet signed on the dotted line.
And what of the role? Will he play someone dashing and charming and posh? Erm, no. Reported by The Sun, should he accept the role, Bonneville would play Mrs Brown's lawyer who also has Tourette's Syndrome.
At last week's NTAs, Brendan O'Carroll wasn't sure of anything to do with the movie other than the fact that it'd be funny. Now it seems he's got the whole plot worked out. Apparently, the plot will see Agnes Brown at legal loggerheads with a company that wants to build a shopping centre where her vegetable stall currently resides.
O'Carroll said: "This barrister hasn't represented anyone for five years because when he is under pressure he develops Tourette's... I'm hoping to get Hugh Bonneville for the part. I wrote it with him in mind and couldn't stop laughing - I think he'd be brilliant."
Speaking of the movie in general, the show's creator said: "The movie will revolve around a court case after a politician, developer and banker team up to close a Dublin market. They think Agnes's stall will be easy to shut down because she's a widow - but she has no intention of going anywhere without a fight... She employs a solicitor, who her daughter Cathy [played by his wife Jennifer Gibney] falls for, and a barrister - which is where Hugh will come in."
From Downton to the cabbage stained streets of Dublin.