A new adaptation of the iconic Adrian Mole stories is coming to the BBC!
Based on the first of Sue Townsend’s much-loved books, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ has an amazing line-up of TV writers on script duties.
Joining lead writer David Nicholls (One Day, Us) are Raised By Wolves duo Caitlin Moran & Caroline Moran, alongside Dillon Mapletoft & Oliver Taylor (Everyone Else Burns), and Big Boys creator Jack Rooke.
“I happen to be just a little older than Adrian and have adored this book since reading it on publication,” commented Nicholls.
“It’s a classic piece of comic writing and an incredible piece of ventriloquism on Sue Townsend’s part – how did she know? Adapting Adrian for the screen is an absolute pleasure,” he added.
The new 10-part series is being made by Big Talk Studios, whose recent hits include Ludwig.
Casting is currently underway to find an actor for the title character, previously played by Gian Sammarco in the BBC’s classic 1985 series and its follow-ups.
“As a proud state educated Midlands boy myself, I recognised so much of my own upbringing in Sue Townsend’s classic novels and David Nicholls’ beautifully observed adaptation of them – the humour, the heartbreak, the quiet heroism of ordinary lives,” said executive producer Kenton Allen.
The official synopsis reads: “The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ marks the return of an iconic British character to our screens. It’s New Year’s Day 1981 and Adrian starts his uniquely funny diary about family life and being a teenager before the advent of mobile phones and social media.
“With only a multi-coloured ballpoint pen as his guide, Adrian worries about his spots, his parents’ divorce, the torment of first love and the fact he’s never seen a female nipple.
“As Adrian’s mother Pauline wrestles with her feminist awakening, his father George struggles with being made redundant in an unforgiving economy.
“Adrian’s wider world is made up of a host of memorable characters like his ‘treacle-haired beloved’ Pandora, his take-no-prisoners Grandma and his unlikely friend, the foul-mouthed pensioner Bert Baxter.
“This vivid portrait of suburban life in Britain shows how much we have changed while staying the same. The result is a timeless family drama that is as warm and funny as it is sad and poignant.”
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ is expected to premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in 2027.
