THE life of comedian Benny Hill is to be aired in a television documentary written by Sir John Mortimore, creator of Rumpole of the Bailey.

The programme will trace the Hampshire entertainer's life from his childhood and his life as a milkman, focusing on the darker side of his character, which remained secret until his death at the age of 68.

It is understood that Matt Lucas, star of the comedy Little Britain, is being lined up to play the comedian.