ITV Studios have declared plans to film part of an upcoming Cary Grant biopic in Chester city centre.

Archie will tell the story of the legendary actor's upbringing, from his formative years in Bristol, to his life as one of Hollywood's greatest leading men, starring in classics such as North by Northwest.

In a letter shown to The Standard, the broadcaster says: "ITV is currently producing a brand new four-part drama.

"'Archie' will be a biopic of actor Cary Grant and will be filmed across the North West of England between September and November this year.

"We have plans to film some scenes for 'Archie' on Albion Street in September."

The project is set to star Jason Isaacs in the leading role, with screenwriter Jeff Pope's script having been given the blessing of Cary Grant's daughter, Jennifer Grant and ex-wife Dyan Cannon. Dyan and Jennifer will also be Executive Producers.

Jeff Pope is known for writing critically acclaimed dramas The Widower, Mrs Biggs, A Confession and the Oscar nominated films Philomena and Stan & Ollie.

Discussing the drama, the screenwriter said: "As with many of my projects, I started at the end and worked backwards. I discovered that, at the height of his fame, Cary Grant retired to look after his young daughter. Intrigued, I started to dig into why he had become a single father. What had happened?

"My journey led me to Bristol, and a young boy called Archie Leach. Cary Grant became one of the most iconic figures of the twentieth century, beloved by presidents and paupers. The key to everything, lay in his childhood."

Jason Isaacs, whose multi award winning career includes The Death of Stalin, the Harry Potter franchise and Black Hawk Down, said of the role: "There was only one Cary Grant and I'd never be foolish enough to try to step into his iconic shoes. Archie Leach, on the other hand, couldn't be further from the character he invented to save himself.

"Jeff's brilliant scripts bring to life his relentless struggle to escape the demons that plagued him, his obsessive need for control, his fears, his weaknesses, his loves and his losses. It's the story of a man, not a legend, and those are shoes I can’t wait to walk in."

ITV are set to discuss filming arrangements with residents next week.