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A new film is set to bring the life of "flawed footballing genius" Paul Gascoigne to the big screen.

The biopic, entitled 30 Years of Hurt, will be filmed this year in Newcastle as well as London and Rome.

UK/Norwegian film company 16:02 Films say they want the picture to "celebrate Paul’s greatest moments on the pitch", but also to examine the struggles with addiction and mental health problems which have plagued the Gateshead-born midfielder's life.

The film is moving forward with the support of Gazza himself.

He said: "It's not easy being Gazza, but thanks to the love and support from the fans, I'm still kicking.

"I want this film to tell them my story...of how it was, is and will be."

(Image: PA)

Director Tom Storvik says it is an "honour" to get the change to tell the story of one of his childhood heroes.

"It is a great honour to be given the chance to tell Paul's story to the world," he said.

"He has led a rich life full of highs and lows, sadness and happiness, hardships and successes – and it's been a great journey piecing together a story that will give the audience feelings of joy, sadness and compassion.

"It is a heavy cross to bear to ensure that the film will do Paul justice, and I am truly honoured that I have been given the chance and trust by Paul to do so. Growing up, he was one of my first footballing idols, and it's a surreal thought to think that after watching Euro ‘96 I'd be sat here 23 years later making a movie based on his life."

Newcastle-based producer Chris Ward says casting is "well underway", and hinted at the top choice of actor to play the NUFC and England hero himself.

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He said: "We already know in our hearts who the first choice actors and actresses will be for the key stages in Paul’s life; we are already engaging in conversations with the representatives of our first choices. The actor we want to portray Paul has been in the forefront of our minds ever since we first witnessed his acting prowess on Game of Thrones.

"As a Geordie and lifelong Newcastle fan I know we must do this great story justice. To ensure this, we’re working on structuring a cast of well established names and up and coming talents.

"The most prominent roles will be portrayed by new talent, as not to overshadow the very real persons they are portraying."

Among the other actors already cast is a Norwegian actress, Amalie Olufsen, set to portray Paul's ex-wife Sheryl Gascoigne.

She said: “I am beyond happy with the faith and belief put into me by the director and the rest of the creative team. I am looking forward to doing Sheryl justice and showcasing her side of the story on screen.”

Stig Frode Henriksen, known from Dead Snow and Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters, have also joined the project in a currently undisclosed role.

Production is scheduled to start in October/November 2019, and it's hoped it will be premiered in 2020.