The Welsh star has been cast as an illegal DJ in the 'The Boat That Rocked', the true story of Radio Caroline which famously hijacked the British airways from an offshore boat in the 60s.
The Welsh star has been cast as an illegal DJ in the 'The Boat That Rocked', the true story of Radio Caroline which famously hijacked the British airways from an offshore boat in the 60s.
A source said: "When Rhys starred in 'Notting Hill', which Richard Curtis wrote, they loved working together and they have remained friends ever since.
"When Richard was thinking of actors for the lead role he thought Rhys would be the perfect man for the job. Although Richard is directing the movie it will be nothing like 'Love Actually'. It will be rock 'n' roll all the way."
Radio Caroline began broadcasting in 1964 from a ship anchored in international waters off the coast of Felixtowe, Suffolk.
It is widely credited with revolutionising British radio, with many historians believing it lead to the BBC's creation of Radio 1 in 1967 to cater for a younger audience.
Radio Caroline initially went off air in 1968 when the ship was impounded. It then returned from 1972 until 1980 when it sank during a storm, before coming back for a final stint from 1982 until 1991, when it was shipwrecked for good.
A legal, onshore version of the station still broadcasts today.
Rhys Ifans
