Sir Philip Green's life story to be made into TV drama

The production company behind hit dramas, such as Poldark, has just bought the TV rights to a biography of Arcadia boss Sir Philip Green.

Mammoth Screen has acquired the rights to Damaged Goods, a recently published biography of the retail tycoon written by The Sunday Times business editor Oliver Shah.

It is believed the production company is considering the creation of a mini series covering Sir Philip's rise from rag trader to one of the most influential figures in British business along with the subsequent controversy following the collapse of BHS, a year after he sold it to a known bankrupt for £1m, and the recent allegations of bullying and sexual harassment from staff members.

Sir Philip was recently named in the House of Lords, by Lord Hain using Parliamentary privilege, as the British businessman behind a temporary injunction imposed on The Daily Telegraph preventing the newspaper from naming Green and the nature of the allegations made against him. The staff concerned had all signed non-disclosure agreements and in many cases received large sums of money in exchange for their silence on the matter. Sir Philip has denied the allegations.

Mammoth Screen boss Damien Timmer told the Radio Times: “Oliver’s book is an unparalleled account of the last 40 years of big business in this country. It’s the ultimate story of hubris and greed. We look forward to adapting this extraordinary book into a gripping and seminal drama for our times.”

Actors Mark Rylance and Gary Oldman are understood to be under consideration for the leading role, while Shah himself has suggested that Ray Winstone would be a good option. The project is currently at script development stage and the producer is seeking a broadcaster.

While Shah's book is unofficial he said he spoke to the retailer frequently during his research and that he still talked to him for stories.