Leslie Grantham will net a huge sum posthumously when his novel is turned into a film.
The late ‘EastEnders’ star passed away last Friday (15.06.18) aged 71, and his fantasy book ‘Jack Bates and the Wizard’s Spell’ looks set to be adapted on the big screen with some "big names" set to appear in the motion picture.
Mike Fox, of publisher Mambi Books, said: "The script has been written, some big names are attached and we are in talks with a production company who love it. It’s very much a ‘when’ not an ‘if’.
"Les found it difficult to finish the follow-up due to hospital visits for chemo and radiotherapy.
"But he did complete an outline of the story arc.
"He was keen on the film going ahead. We feel it will stand as a monument to his work."
What’s more, Leslie negotiated a deal for part of the movie’s profits to go to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Mike added to The Sun’s Bizarre TV column: "He rightly believed Great Ormond Street was a life-saver for kids with serious medical problems.
"He first raised the idea of the donation in a meeting with our parent publisher Cambridge Media and the MD Ken Sewell said that they would match whatever Les gave."
According to Mambi Books’ website, Leslie’s novel is "unique in its genre" because the tome "combines true history with myth and legend".
The site adds: "Jack Bates and the Wizard’s Spell will be enjoyed by kids of all ages, from eight to eighty – and beyond. It has everything – action, adventure, enchantment, romance, wizardry and total charm.
"The reader will travel with Jack on his journey from a shy, introverted boy, to a courageous young leader and his character will resonate with and appeal to kids and adults alike – boys and girls, men and women."
Leslie was best known for his portrayal of ‘Dirty’ Den Watts on BBC One soap ‘EastEnders’ and finished filming movie ‘The Krays: Dead Man Walking’ shortly before he was taken ill last week.
Leslie’s two stints as Den – from 1985 to 1989 and 2003 to 2005 – were made even more believable by his own criminal past.
Before becoming an actor he spent a decade in prison from 1967 for the murder of a German taxi driver. While behind bars, he learned how to act and performed in plays for his inmates.
Leslie Grantham’s book to be turned into film
