Ali G is to become a star of the big screen, if plans for a £5m film featuring the controversial comedy character go ahead.

The character's creator, Sacha Baron Cohen, is writing and producing the comedy drama which is based on his hit TV show, Da Ali G Show, the Sun reports today. The film will be made by Working Title, the production company responsible for such smash hits as Four Weddings and A Funeral and Notting Hill, and is scheduled for release next year.

TV actress Angela Griffin, best known for her roles as the feisty hairdresser Fiona in Coronation Street, is being lined up to play G's girlfriend, "Me Julie". The project will make millions for Cambridge-educated Cohen who will receive a cut of box-office takings and spin-off merchandising.

Ali G is a middle-class white boy who pretends he's a cool West Indian. After his appearance on Channel 4's 11 O Clock Show as a spoof "yoof" presenter who sent up politicians and actors, the character was such an immediate success that he was given his own series which pulled in around five million viewers per show.

But perhaps the greatest proof that Ali G had really hit the big time was when notorious trend-spotter Madonna chose him to appear in the video for her single, Music.

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