WHEN four children survived 40 days alone in the Amazon jungle after a horror plane crash, it made headlines across the world.
And now I can reveal the incredible survival of four siblings – aged 13, nine and four plus their one-year-old baby brother – is being looked at for a new blockbuster Netflix documentary.
The four children Lesly, Soleiny, Tien Noriel, and tiny Cristin were found fighting for their lives in the wilderness in June 2023 after a rescue code-named Operation Hope combed through more than 1,600 miles of dense forest.
The children were travelling with their mother from the Amazonian village of Araracuara to the town of San José del Guaviare when the single-engine Cessna plane crashed on May 1, nose-diving into dense undergrowth.
Rescuers found the bodies of all three adults on board when the crash site was discovered 16 days later — but just a set of children’s footsteps leading away from the wreckage.
A source said: “The story of the Mucutuy family was always destined for Hollywood – it’s an incredible story of survival against the odds.
“The piece will honour the bravery of the children as well as pull out the twists of the tale that captivated the world and, among others, Netflix are in discussions around it now.
The tale is so dramatic, it’s perhaps no surprise that Netflix won’t be the first seeking to bring it to the screen.
In May, National Geographic commissioned a feature-length piece looking at the case.
Whoever wins the race to bring it to air first, it’ll be a jaw-dropping watch.
ROYLES REUNITED
SUE JOHNSTON and Ricky Tomlinson first played a husband and wife on Channel Four soap Brookside in 1982.
They portrayed another couple in BBC sitcom The Royle Family and now they have been on a journey together into their pasts for ITV’s genealogy show.
Scouser Ricky’s story begins with a surprise in the Lake District, as he discovers his family has roots in Ambleside where his ancestor was instrumental in speaking out for change for those living in poverty.
Ricky says: “That fills me with joy, actually. I’m made up with that.”
Labour supporter Sue is in for a shock when a DNA alert sends her to a former Conservative Club where she discovers she is related to early 20th century MP for Tottenham, William Prescott.
But he was a man of his time, a war hero who fought for the best homes for returning soldiers.
Sue says: “I couldn’t be prouder of him, and the qualities he had. It’s something I’d aspire to. I admire him.”
The series begins tomorrow at 9pm, with Ricky and Sue’s episode to air on October 16.
TV funnyman John Bishop has ensured his fans won’t be left out of pocket seeing him live.
The comedian announced his new tour yesterday to celebrate 25 years of standup and he’s capped tickets at £25.
Tickets can be purchased from johnbishoponline.com.
PHYLLIS IS A PUZZLE FOR COPS
PHYLLIS LOGAN is swapping Downton Abbey for detective work in a thrilling new crime series.
The actress, who played Mrs Hughes in the period drama, takes on the lead role of Cora Felton in Channel 5 drama, The Puzzle Lady.
Based on the best-selling books by American author Parnell Hall, the story begins when a strange murder takes place in the sleepy town of Bakerbury.
A crossword left on the body baffles the police, so they turn reluctantly to Cora – who has gained a reputation for solving such puzzles.
But quirky Cora isn’t who she claims to be and brings chaos to the investigation, as well as the baffled community.
The series will air next year, with more cast members to be announced.
BB MARC ALREADY IN TUNE
BIG Brother’s 16 new housemates are making themselves at home following Sunday night’s live launch.
After 11 of the group were immediately put at risk of eviction, yesterday evening they began playing for immunity in a game of strategy and deception.
But I can reveal one of the newcomers is already well-versed in double-dealing after hiding a showbiz past.
Marcello, 34, from East London, told hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best that he was a youth mentor but instead he is a wannabe rapper and music producer.
And he’s not too bad at it – the self-described “connoisseur of rap” co-wrote Junior Andre’s debut single Only One and has even released music of his own.
I’m sure Marcello won’t miss the chance to spit some bars in the house.
Big Brother continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
HOLLYOAKS’ time jump plotline has left even its cast confused.
Newcomer Sherrie Hewson’s character Martha Blake survived the E4 soap’s mass cull.
She told Johnny Seifert’s Secure The Insecure Podcast: “ It’s very confusing. I just go, what’s the next scene?”
CLAUDIA: IT’S IN MY JEANS . . .
CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN has admitted she wants to look like “a male mature French student”.
The Strictly Come Dancing host has revealed she bases her looks on an imaginary figure she calls Jean.
Speaking to Vernon Kay on Radio 2’s Tracks Of My Years this week, Claudia said: “Jean in Lyon, with just a few bells or an epaulette, something a bit piratey.
“Sometimes on Strictly, they’re like, ‘You can’t dress as Jean, you have to be somebody else’.”
“The only way I can get out of my uniform is I have to dress as somebody. This series because I just want to wear kaftans, it was Demis Roussos and Kris Jenner.”
I happen to think she’s more Jean Claud Van Glam.
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