Plans have been announced for the creation of a new film dedicated to the life of Dixie Dean, with Toby Kebbell playing the lead role.

Highlighting a previously untold part of the Everton legend?s life, the Dixie Dean movie will centre around the footballer?s battle with mental health issues, following his retirement from football.

Award winning producers Sara Jandrain and Orian Williams are set to collaborate with director Simon Aboud, Paul McCartney?s son-in-law, to announce an originally scripted feature film.

The iconic footballer?s daughter, Barbara has been pivotal in the making of the movie and has made it possible to show a hidden part of Dixie Dean’s life.

She hopes to celebrate her father?s achievements as well as shine a light on mental health issues, which were a difficult subject in Dixie?s time.

?There was no help for me as there was such a stigma back then, but I hope this film can help others,? she said. ?My father was a hero but I?ve kept his secret for a long time. I buried it. It was something my mother, Ethel, and I kept close to our hearts.?

The film’s producer,?Sara Jandrain said: ?Barbara?s bravery in coming forward to tell her and her dad?s courageous, emotive and important story is incredibly moving.

?She opens our eyes to the heroics of not only her dad, but of her and her mum when they found a way to survive.

?This is very much a story about women and men equally and audiences far and wide will find a place in their hearts for it, as myself and our fantastic growing team already have.?

Toby Kebbell, known for his roles in the Planet of the Apes, War Horse and Fantastic Four, will be playing the role of Dixie.

He was instantly chosen for the role because of his uncanny resemblance to the former footballer.

In the world of football, Dean is best remembered for his performances between 1927-28. The football icon scored an astonishing 60 goals in the League season.

During his first 198 games playing for Everton Football Club, Dixie Dean achieved 200 goals, making this an all-time record.

Although a star player, Dixie forged his career generations before the huge transfer fees and players wages of today. Dixie used to travel to matches on the bus, alongside his supporters, he has always been remembered as the true gentleman of football.

Melanie Prentice, Dixie?s granddaughter revealed her delight at the news of the film. ?Sara Jandrain has foresight and determination. My grandfather was an iconic man. I am just so proud the real story of his life and what he had to go through and take the family through will finally be told.”

The Dixie Dean movie’s screenplay has been written by award winner and critically acclaimed theatre Director, Matt Aston and former art lecturer and blog writer, John McEvoy.

We couldn’t be more thrilled to hear about the upcoming Dixie Dean movie, which will pay tribute to arguably the greatest footballer of our time.

Work will also soon begin on the hotly anticipated Dixie Dean Hotel in Liverpool, to keep up to date with progress, follow our Facebook page.??