A New York – London flight was diverted to Doncaster and the Christmas film practically wrote itself
With either one or two drones bringing Gatwick Airport to a standstill on Thursday, a flight intended for that destination had to land at South Yorkshire Airport instead. Times writer, Ben Machell, spotted the potential.
This is the plot to a Christmas movie. Plane full of New Yorkers find themselves stranded in Donny over the festive period. Dagger-heeled Manhattan executive (Sandra Bullock) gradually falls in love with East Coast Mainline signalman (Sean Bean). Jim Broadbent in the mix. https://t.co/mrOxiQz1wU
— Ben Machell (@ben_machell) December 20, 2018
Absolutely clunkingly leaden one-take cameo from that lad from One Direction as a busker in Frenchgate Centre
— Ben Machell (@ben_machell) December 20, 2018
It seems he had a prior claim to the story – in a way.
My mum is from New York and met my dad in Leeds, so this is mine
— Ben Machell (@ben_machell) December 20, 2018
There was a clarification around a plot point.
Lot of people claiming Bean “has to die”. Simply not true. He didn’t die in When Saturday Comes, so there is a legal precedent.
— Ben Machell (@ben_machell) December 20, 2018
Surprisingly, a lot of other people had ideas to develop the plot and cast.
Bill Nighy as the grounded pilot in a sub-plot who finds love with Joanna Lumley’s air hostess.
— Rupert Myers (@RupertMyers) December 20, 2018
Please include a scene in the local pub: Americans repeatedly horrified by mention of spotted dick by landlord Brenda Blethyn, but Bullock's knowledge of obscure US history propels Bean's sad sack trivia team to surprise win (featuring montage to Slade's Merry Xmas Everybody).
— Elizabeth M Monaghan (@elizmichaelson) December 20, 2018
Love it. I see a remake of Brief Encounter set on a soggy Doncaster train station with Amy Adams and Ben Wishaw saying their tearful goodbyes surrounded by drunk Leeds fans.
— Harriet Cross (@harryvx) December 20, 2018
Paddy Considine and Ralph Ennison and I’m in for the Kickstarter
— Ken Boswell (@kennyboz67) December 20, 2018
Celia Imrie plays a snooty middle class businesswoman who refuses to leave First Class until the plane arrives at Gatwick. She’s frantically calling her driver (Paul Giamatti) who is stuck on the M25 after being instructed to collect her from Donny.
— Jake Johnstone (@hijakejohnstone) December 20, 2018
Lesley Garrett, Donny Diva, makes a million from her recording of the theme tune, in minor key, bemoaning the sad end of Sean Bean, ‘Ey Up Tha Wor Nesh’
— sylvia crookes (@sybisib) December 20, 2018
The airline puts them up in Airbnb. Beaney is renting out a room t’mek ends meet. He has two daughters and is widowed. Christmas lunch is a disaster as ‘mam cooked’. This writes itself from there. I’ll have 3% please and thanks.
— Pete McDonald (@PeteHMFC) December 20, 2018