Comic reveals her role as she picks up an NME award

Aisling Bea is to star in a new Take That jukebox movie.

The comedian revealed her role in Greatest Days in a backstage interview at the NME Awards, where she won the best actor award for her Channel 4 sitcom This Way Up.

She said: ‘At the moment, I think I’m allowed to say from now on I’m working on a movie of the music of Take That – so it’s quite relevant to the NME Awards. I’m sure Take That were often revered and rewarded here.’

She added: ‘I think there’s a long correlation between music and comedy, the sound of the two of them and how much they rely on rhythm. This [award] is really glorious. I truly mean it: Thank you very much NME!’

Here’s the interview:

Greatest Days is based on Take That's musical The Band and revolves around five fans reuniting 25 years after a life-changing concert they attended as teenagers. Bea plays one of them called Rachel.

How To Build A Girl director Coky Giedroyc  will be behind the camera, and talks are said to be under way for Take That to record a new song for the soundtrack.

When the project was announced in 2020, producer Danny Perkins told Deadline: ‘It’s about people coming together, it’s nostalgic, it’s about the music that you love at 15, and being in touch with your teenage self. It’s a feel-good movie which we hope will bring joy to people. 

‘Take That are very much involved in it. They’re excited about the idea of the film and are involved at every step. The plan is for them to write an original song and we’ll use a number of their classic songs.’

Rosamund Pike, Cush Jumbo and Ruth Wilson are rumoured to be starring, too.

Published: 4 Mar 2022