Gordon Ramsay sells rights to biopic

A movie is to be made about the life of Gordon Ramsay after he sold film rights to his autobiography.

The celebrity chef confirmed negotiations had led to a deal for a production of Humble Pie.

"We've sold the rights," he told the Daily Telegraph. "It's not about the money. It was a conscious decision, although I thought it was a bit of a joke when it first came through.

"They likened it to Billy Elliot. From a potentially talented football player I became a chef against my dad's wishes."

He said it was due for a 2009 release and added: "We'll have an early insight into the script but the cast's got nothing to do with me. In many ways I don't want it to be anyone well known as I'd like an actor to be discovered on the back of this.

"It would be a tough part. Russell Crowe is a favourite actor of mine - we get on very well."

Ramsay previously said of the idea: "I've been approached by some amazing guys who see it as a kind of Billy Elliot-style film, only with chef's whites instead of ballet shoes. The climax will be our young hero picking up his first Michelin star."