Neeson's award, which recognises "an actor, director, writer or producer who has helped to focus the international spotlight on the UK", has previously been awarded to Richard Curtis, Michael Sheen and Keira Knightley.

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But when Richard Curtis, later to achieve fame as the Four Weddings and a Funeral writer, invited him to replace someone who had dropped out of an Edinburgh Festival revue, Deayton accepted.

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"This long overdue story is Richard Curtis at his best, " said Blethyn.

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