Former “X Factor” champion Shayne Ward will star in homegrown British horror movie “Skendleby.” Mark Jackson (“The Orville”) and Niamh McGrady (“The Fall”) will also star.
Ward triumphed on the second-ever edition of the “X Factor” in the U.K. in 2005 before going on to build an acting career and starring in iconic British soap “Coronation Street.” He has now signed to play archaeologist Dr. Giles Glover in “Skendleby,” which hails from Rebekah Louisa Smith’s fledgling Doctor Rebekah Productions banner.
Smith has hitherto been known for her work for running the film festival consultancy business The Film Festival Doctor. Having helped producers through the festival maze, she has now branched out into production herself.
“Skendleby” tells the story of an ancient curse lurking within the estate of Skendleby Hall. It will shoot in the U.K., starting next April, with an all-British cast.
It is Ward’s second big-screen role. “I am absolutely delighted to be joining a great cast and crew on an exciting new British film,” he said. “The script is brilliant and I can’t wait to get going.”
Smith said she plans to produce movies festival and international appeal through her production outfit. “We will specialize in creating innovative and compelling storytelling for various niche markets,” she said.