Curtis to make pirate radio film

Love Actually director Richard Curtis is planning to make a film about a pirate radio station, a report claims.

According to The Sun, the filmmaker is bringing the story of Radio Caroline to the big screen.

The station started life on a boat off the coast of Felixstowe, Suffolk in 1964 and is believed by many to have been the precursor of BBC Radio 1. It transmitted on-and-off until 1991, but a legal, onshore version remains in operation.

Welsh actor Rhys Ifans is in line to take the lead role after starring in Curtis' 1999 movie Notting Hill.

A source said: "Richard and Rhys loved working together and have remained friends ever since. Rhys is the perfect man for the job and he will be hilarious."

The movie - entitled The Boat That Rocked - will be a change of direction for Curtis, who is known for romantic comedies such as Four Weddings and a Funeral.

The insider added: "Hugh Grant isn't in it and there will be no cheesy soundtrack. It's rock 'n' roll all the way. The film is set during an exciting time for music and showbiz. DJs became friends of the stars and the story will be brilliant on the big screen."