A new documentary about one of Britain’s most iconic wrestling stars, Shirley Crabtree, aka Big Daddy, is officially in the works.
Born Shirley Crabtree Jr. on November 14, 1930, in Halifax, West Yorkshire, Big Daddy worked as a coal miner. He served in the Coldstream Guards of the British Army, and even played professional rugby league before stepping into pro wrestling.
Wearing glittering Union Jack capes and entering to chants of “Easy! Easy!” from fans, Big Daddy became the ultimate British hero. He emerged as the face of ITV’s World of Sport wrestling boom during the 1970s and 1980s.
His rivalry with Giant Haystacks became the stuff of legend. Their match at Wembley Arena in 1981 reportedly drew an incredible TV audience at the time.
However, his career wasn’t without heartbreak.
In August 1987, fellow wrestler Mal “King Kong” Kirk suffered a fatal heart attack during a tag team match shortly after Big Daddy delivered his trademark splash. An official investigation later concluded that Kirk had a serious pre-existing heart condition. Nevertheless, it cleared Crabtree of any wrongdoing, but the tragedy had a deep personal impact on him.
Big Daddy gradually reduced his wrestling appearances before retiring completely in the early 1990s. He passed away following a stroke on December 2, 1997, at the age of 67.
The documentary will reveal the untold story behind Shirley Crabtree’s “Big Daddy” persona
As per Deadline, BUFF Studios is developing a feature-length documentary on Shirley Crabtree Jr. The film, titled Who’s The Daddy?, is being made in association with Rainbow Trout Films and will be presented to potential buyers at this year’s Sheffield DocFest as part of BUFF Studios’ 2026 documentary lineup. Sheffield DocFest is scheduled to run through June 15.
According to the official synopsis, the documentary will explore how an ordinary sportsman from Halifax became one of the most recognizable faces on British TV. It will look at how Big Daddy turned professional wrestling into prime-time family entertainment and helped shape celebrity culture in Britain long before the digital age and social media.
The project is being developed by executive producer Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe, producer and creative director James Mellor, and writer and research producer Howard Priestley.
Anyiam-Osigwe said Big Daddy’s impact went far beyond wrestling.
“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,” he said.
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