Who Should Play Ben and Diane on Screen?

[Danangleland]

I think Melanie Gutteridge (recently left the Bill) should play Diane. She fits the general physical description of Diane- slim, good looking with fair hair- and I think she could portray a hard,stand offish character comfortably.

[robinf1303]

Hey there.

While reading all of the novels, the actor I was picturing as Cooper was Matt Bardock, having seen him ages ago in 'A Touch of Frost'. However, looking at more recent pictures he's starting to recede a bit, so might appear slightly older than the character description suggests.

As Fry, I didn't really have an image in mind. Sharon Small (Inspector Lynley) is feisty enough for the part, though she doesn't quite have the 'edge' that would be needed.

Hopefully the novels will be filmed soon enough and we'll all be put out of our misery...
     

[Lars]

Hi all,

Here are my suggetions for Ben and Diane on the big screen. Emily Mortimer would be perfect in the role of Diane, both powerful, beautiful and fragile. I believe that the boyish character of Ben would suit Dominic Cooper well, Dominic aged 30 played the part as Sky in the Mamma Mia movie.

What do you think?

Lars

[JanJan]

Just read about the audio version of the new book and I don't watch Casualty (or Casuality as people round here say) but from the picture, to paraphrase Graham Norton, "Will Thorpe, you could be Ben"

[Chief Super]

For anyone who hasn't seen the newsletter, or the blog, this is who JanJan is talking about:

[duncan]

Probably not very original but what about the Tom Chambers, from Holby portraying Ben, he does come from the Peak District so should be at home in the role.

My choice for Diane would be Emma Atkins, who portrayed Charity Dingle in Emmerdale.

[Judith]

[This seems to be an old but interesting topic for discussion. Whenever I read any book I try to visualize the characters, I think it makes for a more satisfactory read.
    As for "Ben Cooper" how about Tom Chambers? He's Derbyshire born and bred (strong in't arm and wick(quick) in't 'ead) and minus tail coat or spangley shirt would scruff up quite well.
    Any podgy acter could play the other one, but as for Diane, I have,t a clue.

[Pandora]

I imagine Max Beesley as Ben. Diane as a celebrity face is much harder an image to conjur up. The best actress I could think of for this is Becky from Corry -  Katherine Kelly.

[Chief Super]

I found this pic of Max Beesley. Did you know his full name is Maxton Gig Beesley Jr.? He plays a bit of a psychopath in 'Survivors'.

[Pandora]

I am still hoping for some Booth TV action. Imagine Wallander, but instead of the stunning Swedish scenery, the blackness and brooding and inevitability of the Peak District. I'm still imagining Max Beesley (who doesn't?), but what about Maxine Peake as Fry? My heart aches to see this.

[Pandora]

[vital sparks]

I just registered to add my vote for Maxine Peake for Diane Fry. 
I don't think there are many actress who could portray such a complex and enigmatic character but I'm sure she is one.

I reserving judgement on Ben for now.

[Stephen]

I just registered to add my vote for Maxine Peake for Diane Fry. 
I don't think there are many actress who could portray such a complex and enigmatic character but I'm sure she is one.

Thank you, vital sparks. For a long time. I've felt that Diane would be the more difficult of the two characters to cast. I've never seen anyone who comes close to my idea of her. But maybe I just don't watch enough TV.

[Stephen]

The 'Virtual Casting Page' on the website has now been updated with pictures of all the latest suggestions. There are 31 nominations for someone to play Ben Cooper, 18 for Diane Fry, and 6 for Gavin Murfin. Let us know what you think:

http://www.stephen-booth.com/castingpage.htm

[Rothy]

I, too, have difficulty finding actors to portray Ben and Diane. Most are too old or just not right. In Ben's case (for me) it has to be someone who has that unruly lock of hair that falls over his forehead and that so annoys Diane and I can't come up with anyone. As another post suggested, Diane needs to be thin and physically fragile and you don't get much thinner than Keira Knightley so how about her?
Perhaps it is a good thing we are left with our own images. That way we are never disappointed.