'Grace' smiles on Ferguson

Thesp to play opposite Brenda Blethlyn in tale of widowed Brit

By VANESSA TORRES

Craig Ferguson, the star, exec producer and co-writer of the upcoming Warner Bros. pic "The Big Tease' (formerly "Je M'appelle Crawford"), is set to star in "Saving Grace" opposite Oscar nominee Brenda Blethyn.

"Grace," which Ferguson also co-wrote, tells the plight of a recently widowed, upper-crust Brit (Blethyn), who learns of her late husband's secret life.

The news leaves her on shaky ground, emotionally and financially, prompting the caretaker of her mansion (Ferguson) to convince her to regain her financial footing by converting her greenhouse into a pot farm.

Director Nigel Cole will make his feature helming debut on the project.

Co-writer Mark Crowdy will produce through his Home Run Productions with Ferguson serving as co-producer. Pic is budgeted at $5 million, according to Home Run, to be financed through foreign coin.

"Grace" will begin lensing during Ferguson's hiatus from his role on ABC's "The Drew Carey Show."

Ferguson is repped by the William Morris Agency, Rick Siegel Management and attorney Jon Moonves at Del, Shaw, Blye & Moonves.