Barry Sheene’s journey from cheeky cockney teenager to one of the most famous sportsmen on the planet will hit the big screens soon courtesy of Porridge scriptwriters Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais.

Sheene famously survived two massive accidents at Daytona and Silverstone is being brought to life in a screenplay, called Sheene, and will tell the tale of his rags-to-riches journey which saw him become firm friends with James Hunt and appear alongside Henry Cooper in Brut adverts, splashing it on all over.

La Frenais said: “It’s surprising it’s not been done. It’s about sport, but it’s also about living your life to the absolute limit. He’s a fascinating personality to portray. Barry couldn’t have been anything else but a Londoner. He was a chancer, a flirt but also an incredibly good bloke. He was a rock star.

“What people are really interested in is the crashes, that’s the fatal fascination. Back then the sport was in a terrible state, it was so dangerous and he dedicated his life to making those changes to motorsport.”

The film is based on a book by Sheene’s teammate and friend Steve Parrish and MotoGP commentator Nick Harris, who have both been consultants. It will be co-produced by Will Stoppard, son of playwright Tom.

Here is the official teaser, definitely starring Freddie Sheene and probably Sidonie too