Catherine lands World Cup role

Catherine Tate is to star in a new film about England’s 1966 World Cup triumph.

Filming started on Sixty Six last week at Elstree Studios and in London – although Tate’s role has not yet been revealed.

The feelgood film, from Bridget Jones producers Working Title, will also star Helena Bonham Carter and Stephen Rea,

It tells the story of a Jewish boy in North London whose bar mitzvah clashes with the Wembley final.

The film, billed as a comedy rather than a footballing tale, will probably be released to coincide with the 2006 championship in Germany.

Tim Bevan, of Working Title, said: ‘British films work best when they’re very honest to a particular part of England. Four Weddings was true to middle-class people, Bend It Like Beckham was faithful to the Indian community and Billy Elliot was faithful to the miners.

‘This is faithful to kids growing up in a Jewish community in north London in the Sixties.’

Published: 23 Oct 2005