Screenwriter Youssef plays down Adam rift

Egyptian screenwriter Walid Youssef has refuted rumours of a rift between himself and actor Ahmed Adam, after the latter described the script for a television drama about late Egyptian writer Mostafa Mahmoud as "weak." Youssef said: "I would like to say that there is no disagreement between Ahmed Adam and me. We have known each other for a long time and I couldn't possibly respond insultingly to what he said because I respect and appreciate him on a personal level." The screenwriter expressed his desire for Adam to star in the show, but added, "he has his point of view which everyone must respect." Reflecting on the script, Youssef said: "I can't talk about my own script or assess it, but the public are the ultimate judge and they will decide whether the script is weak or strong. If Adam saw it as weak, then that is his opinion." Youssef is currently casting for the drama Al-Ilmu Wal Iman [Science and Faith] which looks at Mostafa Mahmoud's life. Actor Kaled el-Nabawy has taken over the lead part after Adam turned it down. The series will be directed by Mohammed Gomaa.