An American TV soap superstar has bought the film rights for former Matlock Mercury editor Don Hale's second book, The Wrong Body.

Patricia Heaton's company FourBoys Productions in Los Angeles has bought the film option. She is an award-winning star of the hit US soap Everbody Loves Raymond.

Don said: "I have spoken with her a few times but I know her husband David Hunt - who is a former soccer player from Loughborough.

"He has been across the pond several times to read the draft and negotiate terms.

"It is fact-based drama situated in North Wales. It will keep people on the edge of their seats and has a bizarre twist at the end with an unexpected American link."

Production is expected to start in autumn 2004.

Since leaving the Matlock Mercury in August 2001, Don has successfully campaigned for the release of Stephen Downing, jailed for 27 for a murder he says he did not commit, and has also written three books, drafted a fourth and written two draft TV drama scripts.

Don's latest drama book project - Mallard - will be published in the spring and also looks likely to hit the screens.

An independent TV production company is hoping to run a documentary based on it - and want to discuss further film and TV drama options.

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