THE mystery disappearance of Huddersfield backpacker Peter Falconio may be made into a TV drama.
Two major TV companies are in talks to turn the Australian case into a film for the small screen.
But a man, Bradley Murdoch, 45, has been charged with 28-year-old Mr Falconio's murder and nothing will be made until he has come to trial.
A hearing to decide if there is enough evidence to send the mechanic for trial was adjourned in Darwin, Northern Territory, in June for two months.
Australia's Grundy Television is planning the film and meeting people from Britain's Granada about co-producing the drama.
Mr Falconio, of Hepworth, disappeared three years ago while driving with his girlfriend, Joanne Lees, now 30, along a remote part of the Stuart Highway in Northern Territory.
Police say he was murdered by a truck driver who ambushed the couple.
Ms Lees said her attacker tied her up and bundled her into his van, but she managed to escape. She said she did not see Mr Falconio's murder.
Grundy's chief executive, Andrew Brooke, said the case was a "a hell of a story", containing human drama, suspense, mystery and a unique outback setting.
He added: "It's certainly something we're pursuing as a project."
Mr Brooke said British colleagues had contacted Ms Lees, but she had no involvement in the project at this stage.
He added: "I don't think the project will be made, or even finalised, until there is a verdict. But whatever way the verdict goes, the story is equally strong."
Mr Brooke said the international nature of the story made it especially interesting.
He said: "We all know how difficult it is to sell Australian drama internationally and the UK is one of the biggest potential markets to do that.
"Already, the UK broadcasters have run a couple of specials on the murder itself.
"So there is real interest there in the story," said Mr Brooke.
"And the unique landscape the story is set in has also got natural appeal," he added.
