ES News email The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday - Friday plus breaking news updates Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive lunchtime headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts, by email Update newsletter preferences

The backers of a £5 billion theme park planned for the Thames Estuary have signed a deal with Paramount Pictures opening the possibility of thriller rides based on films such as Mission: Impossible, Star Trek or The Italian Job.

The Hollywood studio is the third major entertainment partner to sign up with the theme park, the London Resort, after the BBC and ITV Studios.

The latest agreement is a milestone for the proposed destination on the Swanscombe Peninsula near Dartford in Kent, which is due to open in 2024.

It was originally destined to be known as Paramount Park but the studio walked away from the project in 2017 after failing to agree terms over which films would be featured.

Now the differences appear to have been resolved, giving a boost to the scheme, which has faced a series of delays and setbacks since it was first mooted in 2012.

Former Millennium Dome boss PY Gerbeau, who was appointed chief executive of London Resort Holdings this month, said: “The new partnership with Paramount is fantastic news for everyone.

"Now the best of Hollywood will be joining the best of British from BBC and ITV Studios, to create amazing and unique experiences for the whole family.”

The company released an artist's impression of what the theme park could look like with a “Mission: Impossible Training Centre” — suggesting an attraction linked to the Tom Cruise action series is likely.

Kevin Suh, president of themed entertainment for Paramount Pictures, said: “The London Resort represents a truly global resort opportunity and we’re delighted to be playing our part in bringing iconic movies to life in truly immersive experiences and rides.”

The London Resort will be set over 535 acres, including 200 acres dedicated to rides and experiences and a hospitality area with 3,500 hotel rooms.

Construction work at the former landfill site is due to begin in 2021 and the project is expected to create more than 30,000 jobs. It is being funded by Kuwait’s Al-Humaidi family.

The BBC signed up in 2015 opening up the possibility of attractions based on shows from Doctor Who to Top Gear. ITV came on board in May and have licensed the Thunderbirds Are Go! animated television series to the park.