BBC Two is making a Peter Sellers documentary.

Peter Sellers

Peter Sellers

'Peter Sellers: A State Of Comic Ecstasy' will give an insight into the late comedian, with input from his friends, family, colleagues and critics.

The new documentary - which will air on May 9 to mark the 40th anniversary of his death this summer - will also feature an exclusive interview with his second wife, Britt Ekland, who has never spoken before to any documentary about her turbulent marriage to Sellers.

The comic's daughters Sarah and Victoria and famous fans such as Michael Palin, Steve Coogan and Hanif Kureishi will speak about what Sellers meant to them, for the new documentary.

Nanette Newman, Sinead Cusack, Janette Scott, director Joe McGrath and actor Simon Williams have also been interviewed for the special.

Mark Bell, Director, BBC Arts, said: "BBC Arts brings audiences the very best in arts and culture, and is proud to include profiles of the figures who have shaped the cultural landscape as we know it. Peter Sellers had a profound impact on film and comedy, a genius as a performer but a mercurial personality; this in-depth look offers many revealing insights into his life and times, and I hope will offer an engaging diversion for people in lockdown."

Patrick Holland, Controller, BBC Two, added: "Peter Sellers is a unique figure, a homegrown comic talent who took America by storm and became one of the major cultural influencers of the 70s. This film for BBC Two explores the man behind the enigma and promises to be a real treat."

Sellers died from a massive heart attack on 24 July 1980, at the age of 54.

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