THEY might not have secured the services of Robbie Williams, but the makers of a Hollywood movie, some of which is expected to be shot in Leigh, have managed to sign up the singing sensation's dad.

The film is based on the true life story of former drug addict, turned wealthy businessman, Stephen Smith.

It charts his life of drugs, crime, abuse and ultimate success, when he left his seedy life behind him and made a new start in Germany.

Robbie's dad, Pete Conway, a 52-year-old holiday entertainer, will play the part of Stephen's father. Initial plans have been made to shoot some scenes in Leigh.

Stephen spent several months of the late 70s wandering the streets of Leigh with local winos, and living rough in derelict buildings.

But the town brought the end to his horror story. After a young couple searching for someone else tried to befriend him he hitched back to London. There he met a German student who became his wife.

He has been clean ever since.

Now his lifestory is to be made into a film based on his autobiography "Addict".

The new British movie is being produced by top Hollywood impresario Gary Kurtz, the man behind some of cinema's biggest box office hits including Star Wars.

He is due to visit Leigh later in the year with Stephen to check on the town's film location potential.

The movie will chart Stephen's life of drugs, crime, abuse and ultimate success when he left his seedy past behind him.

Initial plans have been made to shoot some scenes in Leigh and local people are wanted to play extras.

Mr Smith, 56, now a successful businessman and writer, based in Munich, told The Journal: "I can't really remember too much of my time in Leigh because I was in a haze.

"Last year I came back to have a look at the area but it was very upsetting for me. I threw so much of my life in the dustbin.

"But Leigh ended my horror story. It saw the last of my down and out days."

Speaking from his office in Munich, Stephen revealed that he has still not given up on enticing Robbie into playing him in the movie and that another big name, of Four Weddings and a Funeral fame, is being lined up to star in the movie.

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