Lionel Richie Keen On Writing Songs For Duffy

Lionel Richie wants to write a song with Duffy. The soul singer is very impressed with several current U.K. acts - such as the Welsh singer and The Ting Tings - and wants to work with them on a new album.

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Lionel, 59, said: "I love Duffy, whom I've just discovered - does she write her own stuff? If she does we're on fire because she's great."

"I like The Ting Tings, I love Coldplay and U2. I want to work with them, let me put it out there. Their diversity gives me inspiration and makes me say, 'I want to try that.'"

Lionel regularly attends the BRIT Awards - which this year saw "Mercy" singer Duffy take home three prizes, including Best British Female - to check out upcoming U.K. artists.

He said: "I go to the BRITs for one reason, to see what's coming. What I love about British music is, it is still experimental, it doesn't get stuck in one rut."

The "Dancing On The Ceiling" singer has also revealed he was approached by Hollywood producers interested in making a biopic of his life, but the idea was dropped because it wasn't tragic enough.

Lionel - whose adopted daughter, Nicole, has been treated for heroin addiction - said: "The producer turned round to me and said, 'This is the worst story I've heard in my whole life. There is no tragedy.'"

"When I went through my second divorce, though, several years ago the same guy called me up and said, 'Your book's getting better.'"

"He basically wanted me to have a downfall and then to rise back up - perfect for a movie storyline."