EXCLUSIVE: BUFF Studios is developing a documentary feature about Shirley Crabtree, the British wrestling icon better known to generations of fans as Big Daddy.

The feature will be titled Who’s The Daddy?. BUFF Studios will produce in association with Rainbow Trout Films. The producers will introduce the project to buyers at this year’s Sheffield DocFest, where BUFF Studios will present its 2026 documentary slate.

The film’s official synopsis reads: The project will examine how an ordinary Halifax sportsman became one of Britain’s most recognisable television personalities, transforming professional wrestling into prime-time family entertainment and laying the foundations for modern celebrity culture in pre-digital Britain.

The film is being developed by executive producer Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe (Absolutely Marvellous), producer and creative director James Mellor (Rugby Town) and writer/research producer Howard Priestley.

“Big Daddy was far more than a wrestling star,” Anyiam-Osigwe said in a statement. “He was one of the most recognisable faces on British television at a time when audiences of all ages would gather around a single screen to watch shared national moments.” 

Anyiam-Osigwe added: “Through Who’s The Daddy?, we want to explore not only the man behind the phenomenon, but also what his story tells us about fame, identity and the evolution of British popular culture before the digital age. We are delighted to be introducing the project at Sheffield DocFest and look forward to developing it with partners who share our ambition for the film.”

Sheffield DocFest runs until June 15.