With Joel Fry,  Phoebe Dynevor and Rory Kinnear

Joel Fry,  Phoebe Dynevor and Rory Kinnear are to star in  a new romcom about a working-class Burnley man who set up his own bank.

The Bank of Dave is based on the true story of Dave Fishwick, who made millions from a minibus company then set up a community bank so he could help local businesses.

It has been scripted by Fisherman’s Friends co-writer Piers Ashworth, based on Fishwick’s own book of the same name, which described how he took on the elitist financial institutions of London to win a banking licence.

Plebs star Fry portrays a young London lawyer hired to help him, and Bridgerton’s Dynevor  a local doctor.

Deadline reports that Netflix has bought the UK and Irish rights to the movie, directed by Chris Foggin, who also helmed Fisherman’s Friends

He told the website: ‘I was immediately drawn to this story about the triumph of community, and I’m delighted to be working with such a wonderful cast. I truly believe the world needs films like this.’

Fishwick  – who has also hoste  How To Get Rich Quick  on Channel 4 – added: ‘To have a global movie made in Burnley about such an important part of my life, is truly amazing. I was overwhelmed when I was approached with the idea and it’s incredibly exciting to see the production starting soon.’

Published: 10 Feb 2022