Music mogul Simon Cowell is set to make a film about a British cellphone salesman who shot to fame after winning TV talent show Britain’s Got Talent. The tale of singer Paul Potts’ rise will be brought to the big screen by his musical mentor Cowell, who has agreed a deal with Paramount.

The forthcoming movie has been dubbed the new Billy Elliot by Cowell, who will act as producer. Film giant Paramount reportedly agreed to finance the project after seeing Potts’ performances on YouTube following his win on the talent show in 2007. And Cowell is delighted the studio has given the movie the green light.

He says, “Most of these calls result in absolutely nothing, but this company got that it’s another Billy Elliot, a story anyone in the world can understand.” Potts’ album One More Chance has sold over three million copies, and has been released in 15 countries.

WENN