Actors have been chosen to play Tyneside's notorious Sayers brothers in a forthcoming film about the family.
Bafta award-winning director Garry Fraser has been lined up to make a big screen version of Stephen Sayers’ best-selling autobiography, The Sayers – Tried And Tested At The Highest Level.
And now after open casting sessions were held in Newcastle three local actors have been chosen to take on the roles of brothers Stephen, John Henry and Michael.
Local actor Steve Wraith, who co-wrote the book, has been cast in the lead role.
The Gateshead dad said: "I have known Stephen for 20 years so I know a lot of his characteristics. It is a unique opportunity for me having written his book alongside Stu Wheatman."
Melly Barnes who appeared in Our Friends In The North will play Michael, Alfie Dobson will take on the role of John Henry, Jayne Mackenzie has been cast as Stephen's mother Yvonne while his his cousin Tony Sayers will play his Dad, John Snr.
Melly Barnes said: "I have read a lot about the family over the years and met Stephen at his book launch a few years ago.
"I am delighted that the film is being made and being made with actors from the North East. A lot of films are made here but there are very few chances for local actors which is what makes this a unique project."
And local actor and singer, Alfie, added: "This is a big chance for me. I have just worked with Ken Loach on his latest film and I learned a lot from that experience.
"I have been working on two other projects with Steve and Melly over the last six months and we have bonded like brothers so I think that really helped during the audition process."
The Sayers brothers earned a reputation as one of the North East’s most notorious underworld families.
But in 2015 Stephen revealed in the Chronicle that he was turning his back on crime for the sake of his family. His tell-all autobiography was published that year and became a best-seller.
Garry, who won a Bafta for Everybody's Child in 2014, and shared the award with Danny Boyle for T2 Trainspotting, has explained why he jumped at the chance to direct the film.
He said: "I came across the book via a friend in Edinburgh and I could not put it down.
"The story has so many sides to it and certainly does not encourage a young influential reader to take up a life of crime.
"It is funny in parts, very emotional, and shows how a young lad on Tyneside got to the top of the criminal ladder before inevitably falling foul of the law and losing everything.
"I have got to know Stephen well over the last six months and have visited Newcastle to get a feel for the city. The film will certainly not glamorise crime and will focus on Stephen's life and not his brothers, and it will give a chance for local actors to shine on a bigger stage.
"We aim to shoot the trailer early 2020 and then source funding for the project."
And Stephen added: "After the success of the book and DVD I really hoped that we could get a film made and when Garry approached me I knew he was the right man for the job.
"He has won a Bafta and recently worked on Trainspotting 2, for me there is no better person to put my life story on the big screen.
"Steve has known me for 20 years and wrote my book with Stu Wheatman. He has had recent success in films and on TV and I am sure he will do a great job."
Stephen will be donating a percentage of any earnings from the film to a local charity.
