Ryan Sampson, who played Mr William Collins in the BBC's The Other Bennet Sister, is developing a television adaptation of the cult film Kinky Boots. The actor revealed he is currently writing the series and pitching it to various channels.
From Film to Television
Kinky Boots originally premiered in 2005, inspired by the real-life story of Steve Pateman, who saved his family's shoe factory in Northampton by producing footwear for drag queens. The film features Chiwetel Ejiofor as Lola, a role later performed by Johannes Radebe, Matt Henry, and Billy Porter in stage productions.
Sampson told Digital Spy: "We are working on a Kinky Boots TV series. I'm writing it at the moment. As far as whether I'd star in it, we'll see how it goes. I'm pitching it to different channels at the moment. I love the movie. It's great. It's really good. It has really stuck with me since I saw it. With a TV series, you could go into more depth with the story."
Return of The Other Bennet Sister
Meanwhile, The Other Bennet Sister is set to return to BBC One this festive season with a three-part Christmas special. Ella Bruccoleri will reprise her role alongside familiar faces, including Ryan Sampson's Mr Collins and Anna Fenton-Garvey's Charlotte Lucas.
Richard E. Grant, who plays Mr Bennet, praised Sampson's performance: "Ryan Sampson's Mr Collins is innately funny - he's absolutely brilliant." Ruth Jones, who plays Mrs Bennet, added: "Any scene with Ryan Sampson. He's a comedy genius and makes me want to be silly."
