Frankie Goes to Hollywood movie biopic announced and lead actor revealed
The 80s pop icons are set to hit the big screen
Last updated 12th May 2023
Just three days after Frankie Goes to Hollywood reunited for the first time in 36 years, it’s been confirmed that a movie biopic about the 80s pop icons is in the works.
Titled Relax after the band’s breakthrough single of the same name, the film is based on frontman Holly Johnson’s 1994 autobiography A Bone in My Flute.
24-year-old Welsh actor Callum Scott Howells, who’s best known for playing Colin in acclaimed Channel 4 drama It’s a Sin, will play Holly Johnson in Relax. Callum says he’s “excited and honoured” to be starring in the movie.
The film was written and will be helmed by English director Bernard Rose, who created the infamous ‘Relax’ video back in 1983. Bernard's other credits include horror classics Paperhouse and Candyman, and in 2010 he made the Howard Marks biopic Mr Nice.
In the 80s, Rose also created Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s ‘Welcome to the Pleasuredome’ video together with Bronski Beat’s ‘Smalltown Boy’ and UB40’s cover of ‘Red Red Wine.’
Bernard Rose commented: “Combining the wit of the Beatles, the power of The Rolling Stones and the outrage of The Sex Pistols, Frankie Goes To Hollywood went from unemployed Liverpudlians to Kings of pop on the back of their epic banned record Relax.
“In 1984 they outsold Prince, Madonna, Michael Jackson and Duran Duran. Their epic rise, bringing the then deeply underground S+M and LGBTQ club scene screaming into the limelight, is the energetic and moving story of underdogs that win one for the ages.
“I was very much a part of the hoopla, having directed the original ‘banned’ Relax video and I want to bring that innocent and daring world of 1984 back to life for a new audience today…”
Bridget Jones, Les Miserables and Billy Elliot producer Working Title is behind the movie.
Tim Bevan, Co-Chairperson of Working Title, said: “Working Title is always looking to champion British stories and so the opportunity to shine a light on Frankie Goes To Hollywood, a British band who truly revolutionised the UK music industry, was a natural fit for us.
“Working under the direction of Bernard Rose, the project will star exciting young talent, Callum Scott Howells in the lead, and Independent Entertainment as partner. We can’t wait to get started.”
Frankie Goes to Hollywood performed ‘Welcome to the Pleasuredome’ at the Eurovision Song Contest opening party outside St George’s Hall in Liverpool on Sunday night (7th May).
The following day, Holly Johnson announced two headline UK shows at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Saturday 21st October and The London Palladium on Friday 27th October.
The concerts celebrate the 40th anniversary of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s ‘Relax’ and the upcoming 35th anniversary of Holly Johnson’s chart-topping solo album ‘Blast.’
Tickets are on sale from Aloud.com
Take a look at tours to look forward to in 2023:
ABBA - 'ABBA Voyage'
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"My performing career has been an incredible ride, and I can't wait to celebrate it by performing the songs that have been such an important part of my life. It's been a fantastic tour so far, and I look forward to sharing all those special moments with my fans."
Pet Shop Boys
Pet Shop Boys have announced a series of intimate gigs, taking place in April 2026. 'Obscure Pet Shop Boys', are truly for the biggest fans of the band, as they'll be performing non-single album tracks and B-sides, from throughout their long career.
Toyah Willcox
To celebrate 45 years in the music industry, 80s legend Toyah Willcox will be heading on tour from 2025 to 2026, starting by supporting The Human League at a series of shows in the summer of 2025, before her HUGE tour gets underway in March 2026. Entitled 'Songs & Stories Tour 2026', she'll take the tour to 49 intimate venues across England, Scotland and Wales — finishing on 14th June 2026.
Toyah also has a number of gigs in October and December 2025, in celebration of the release of her new greatest hits album, 'Chameleon: The Very Best Of Toyah'.
Rick Astley
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Paul Carrack
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James Morrison
James Morrison has announced a tour for 2026 celebrating 20 years since the release of his debut album 'Undiscovered'. The singer will perform throughout May and the beginning of June, playing songs from his 5x Platinum album, along with some of this biggest hits.
Billy Ocean
In October 2025, Billy Ocean announced dates for his Summer 2026 tour where he will be performing across the UK from May until August. The singer will be joined by special guest, former Wet Wet Wet and solo artist Marti Pellow.
Foreigner
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UB40
UB40 have announced a huge tour taking place in June 2026. The band are expected to perform many of their iconic classic hits from their back catalogue and some brand new tracks which will feature on their upcoming studio album, due for release in Spring 2026.
The Human League
'Don't You Want Me' band The Human League have announced they will be performing a big outdoor show in 2026. The band, who will be joined by special guests ABC, will be taking to the stage for this one-off show in Leeds.
Boyzone
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Beverley Knight has announced a huge UK headline tour for 2026 called 'Born to Perform'. The show will see Beverley perform some of her biggest hits as she also takes the audience on a journey through her career of music and theatre. The tour takes place throughout June 2026.
Westlife
After much excitement and teasing, the band revealed they will be playing across the UK in September and October 2026, as part of their 'Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour'. The band will start their UK leg in Aberdeen on Tuesday 29th September, before performing across the UK, ending with FIVE dates in Belfast (previously announced).
The Stylistics
'Betcha by Golly, Wow' singers, The Stylistics, have announced a huge tour for 2026 in October and November. The will be playing 22 dates across the UK.
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Now read:
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Frankie Goes to Hollywood to reunite for live concert next month
Holly Johnson to perform Frankie Goes to Hollywood classics at October 2023 UK shows