The Sweeney

[Perdita]

Ben Drew has been cast in Vertigo Films' upcoming remake of The Sweeney.

The project, to be directed by Nick Love (The Firm), will see Drew (Plan B) play George Carter alongside Winstone's Jack Reagan.

Based on the popular '70s ITV show starring John Thaw and Dennis Waterman, The Sweeney centres on detectives in the London Flying Squad. Love and Trainspotting writer John Hodge's script brings the action into the present day.

Love said of Drew's casting: "I'm very excited about Ben playing Carter - he brings an intelligence and sensitivity that is crucial for The Sweeney. Ben is also one of the most promising and multi-talented young performers around. For me, Ray and Ben are the ultimate casting for a character driven action thriller set in London today."

Drew admitted that winning the part is a "dream come true" as Winstone is one of his "favourite British actors of all time".

Winstone added: "I cant wait to work with Nick Love on The Sweeney, it was an inspired casting to have Ben Drew as George Carter, I'm a huge fan of his."

Drew, who scooped the 'British Male Solo Artist' Brit award at this year's ceremony, has appeared in the movies Adulthood, Harry Brown and 4.3.2.1.. He is currently working on his directorial debut Ill Manors.

A Sweeney film had been in the works as recently as last year with Winstone, Michael Fassbender and Ashley Walters among the cast, but the project fell apart due to financial issues.

Production on The Sweeney will commence this Autumn.

DS

[tammyy2j]

Plan B has signed up to star alongside Ray Winstone in the upcoming film version of The Sweeney.

The Brit-winning rapper - whose real name is Ben Drew - said it was a "dream come true" to act with Ray in the movie, based on the hit ITV police series.

Directed by Nick Love and set in present day England, The Sweeney will follow London Flying Squad detectives George Carter (originally played by Dennis Waterman), Jack Regan, (originally played by John Thaw) and their team.

Plan B said: "It's a dream come true for me to be in a film with Ray Winstone, who is one of my favourite British actors of all time, and I'm really excited about working with Nick Love in what I feel will be a challenging role for me to play."

Ray was also full of praise for his multi-talented co-star.

"It was an inspired casting to have Ben Drew as George Carter, I'm a huge fan of his," he added.

Filming is set to start in autumn.

[Chloe O'brien]

I hope this lives up to the original. I hope so Winstone is an amazing actor and him and Plan B could be a good partnership.

[Katy]

i think Ben Drew did act before he was a singer, but i could be mistaken, he played a good part in adulthood when he was in that