LORD RICHARD ATTENBOROUGH is desperately hoping his new film will still go ahead - even though financial constraints are threatening to stop it being made. The OSCAR-winning director, 80, is optimistic CLOSING THE RING - a $30.6 million (GBP 17 million) production starring DENNIS HOPPER and MENA SUVARI - will become one of his masterpieces, and he’d be devastated if strict British legislation prevents him from shooting the movie.

However, with the government announcing it is closing a loophole where investors in British films could set against tax losses, Attenborough believes the film could be doomed. The GANDHI director says, “It’s a terrible blow, not only to myself but to the producer, scriptwriters and the entire team. “It’s such a fantastic film - with the best screenplay I think I have ever read first time. “It would be such a waste if it was never made but it’s not looking good. “This tax break has destroyed dozens of British films and many people have been bankrupted because of it.”

Thanks again to Janis for sending it in