A TV channel is producing a documentary about Gary Speed, from Huntington, as part of a mini-series on some the country’s most prominent figures.

S4C chiefs are promising ‘a revealing portrait’ of the late Wales manager – who was born in Mancot – by his friend John Hartson, who won 51 Welsh caps.

The film will be the first detailed portrait of Speed to be broadcast with the full co-operation of his family.

The 42-year-old was found hanged at his home in Huntington, near Chester, by wife Louise on November 27. A coroner recorded a narrative verdict.

The documentary is being produced by Rondo, the company behind the flagship football show Sgorio, and is one of the first commissioned by Llion Iwan, who is responsible for S4C’s factual and current affairs programmes. It is expected to be broadcast in November – a year on from the dad-of-two’s death.

Mr Iwan said: “The docu-film will shed new light on Gary Speed’s life and glittering career. It is groundbreaking in the sense that the iconic footballer’s friends and family will contribute.

“This will also be the first time for John Hartson, who played alongside the former Wales manager, to front a documentary on television and we’ll look at Gary Speed’s contribution to football, Wales and the world through his unique perspective.”

As part of the series S4C will also air a film portrayal of the enigmatic writer Gerallt Lloyd Owen and a programme which follows Super Furry Animals singer Gruff Rhys’s quest to find a musical relative in Patagonia.

Mr Iwan added: “The documentaries each focus on iconic characters from very different worlds, but what brings the three together is that they had a great impact on popular culture here in Wales.”