Bob Monkhouse's Bedfordshire home to appear in new film about the star

Bob Monkhouse lived in Claridges in the village of Eggington until his death in 2003

Filmmakers are fundraising to make a movie about Bob Monkhouse, using his former home.

The comedian, whose career spanned over four decades, lived in Eggington in Bedfordshire for the last 28 years of his life.

Actor Simon Cartwright is playing the lead role which he previously took on in the 2017 short-film The Last Laugh.

Mr Monkhouse bought the house called Claridges in 1975.

Actor and writer Simon Cartwright visited the Bedfordshire house in December

The current owners have told filmmakers they can use the property in the movie.

The 17th century Grade II listed house was sold after his wife, Jackie Monkhouse, passed away in 2008.

Mr Cartwright said the house was clearly "a property he loved".

"It's a wonderful building, what a great pleasure that the present owners have given permission for our film to use that as a backdrop."

Simon Cartwright has played Bob Monkhouse on TV, film and stage

In 1989 Mr Cartwright performed an impression of of the entertainer, in front of him, for an episode of Opportunity Knocks.

The two remained in contact with the impressionist going on to portray Mr Monkhouse in several TV shows including Toast of London.

Mr Cartwright described the comedian as "a genuine human as well as an iconic talent".

The film will focus on the relationship between Denis Goodwin (left) and Bob Monkhouse (right)

Work on the scripts for the film, titled Silent Sincerity, began three years ago with production looking to start later this year.

The feature length film focuses on Mr Monkhouse's relationship with his writing partner Denis Goodwin.

"They wrote together for some 14 years... It's an interesting focus on that but also Bob's early childhood and what really drove him to be the performer he was," Mr Cartwright explained.

Mr Cartwright said director Jason Figgis suggested crowdfunding for the film as "if the interest is there and people care enough we'll do it".

He added: "Even if we do it on a budget it will be of a very high quality."