AN author is hoping to jump on the Popstars bandwagon and recruit the services of a London television company to help cast his film.

Stephen Richards, author of a series of books on North-East hardman Viv Graham, is hoping to use the publicity created by television show Popstars, and the equally popular Pop Idol, to cast the lead character in his planned film.

Mr Richards, who launches his latest book Viv Graham - The Final Chapter - on November 5, held auditions in Newcastle in May, but failed to find a lead actor for the movie.The programme Popstars was watched by millions and launched the careers of pop group Hear'Say after a nationwide hunt for band members.

Mr Richards is hoping a Filmstars version of the shows could help him find the right actor to play Viv Graham.

"We're looking for someone with a bit of edge and that is very difficult," he said.

"They don't have to come from the North-East, but we're looking for a certain quality found in say a younger Oliver Reed or Marlon Brando."

Mr Richards says he already has £3m secured for the film and is hoping to boost it to £5m. He wants to tell the story of Tyneside protection hardman Viv Graham and Teesside drugs enforcer Lee Duffy.

Viv Graham, a 34-year-old father of four, was shot three times as he left the Queen's Head pub in Wallsend, North Tyneside on New Year's Eve in 1993. He died in hospital four hours later.

Police arrested five men in connection with his death, but they were released without charge.

Mr Richards has also written Viv - Simply the Best and Viv and the Geordie Mafia.