Tommy Cooper’s last days could be the subject of a new ITV drama.

Andy Harries, producer of the acclaimed film The Queen, is developing a story based on Cooper’s death on stage at Her Majesty's Theatre.

He has already pitched the idea to ITV chairman Michael Grade, but the company said nothing had yet been formally commissioned.

Harries, the outgoing controller of comedy and drama at ITV Productions, told actors’ newspaper The Stage: ‘I have long had a desire to make a film about the last week of Tommy Cooper’s life. It was extraordinary because he died live on TV.

‘The story behind his death is staggering, because not only did he drop dead in this show, but the audience thought it was part of the show. Then they decided it was quite serious and moved his body to the side of the stage and carried on.’

Harries last week blasted the state of ITV drama, saying the broadcaster had looked ‘increasingly downmarket’.