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Michael Gambon to star in 'Churchill's Secret' TV movie

By Karen Butler
English actor Michael Gambon attends the 15th Moet British Independent Film Awards in London in 2012. File Photo by Paul Treadway/UPI
English actor Michael Gambon attends the 15th Moet British Independent Film Awards in London in 2012. File Photo by Paul Treadway/UPI | License Photo

LONDON, May 26 (UPI) -- ITV says it has commissioned a feature-length film starring Michael Gambon as British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Lindsay Duncan as his wife, Clementine.

Filming will begin next month in London and at Churchill's principal family home, Chartwell, in Kent.

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The small-screen adaptation of Jonathan Smith's recently published book The Churchill Secret: KBO will be directed by Charles Sturridge with Timothy Bricknell producing. Churchill's Secret will be co-produced with America's Masterpiece, where Rebecca Eaton is executive producer.

After it premieres on ITV in the United Kingdom, it will air in the United States on PBS in 2016.

"Set during the summer months of 1953, Churchill -- now prime minister for the second time and in his late 70s -- suffers a life-threatening stroke, which is kept secret from the world," a synopsis said.

"Churchill's Secret is the extraordinary and compelling story of how one of our country's most famous political figures battled back from life-threatening illness to hold on to power," ITV's director of drama, Steve November, said in a statement. "We're delighted to commission Churchill's Secret from Daybreak Pictures and to be working with Michael Gambon as Sir Winston Churchill and Lindsay Duncan as his wife, Clemmie."

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"Winston Churchill is an epic figure to Americans, much as he is to the British. He epitomizes the 'special relationship,' a phrase he coined. Hal Vogel and David Aukin have been excellent partners in the past, and it's a privilege to be working with them again," added Eaton.

Gambon, 74, is best known for his portrayal of Professor Albus Dumbledore in the last six Harry Potter films.

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