The new BBC series comprises 10 x 30’ episodes, with a casting search currently underway to find a lead actor to play Adrian

One Day writer David Nicholls and Ludwig prodco Big Talk Studios are working on a shiny new iteration of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾

Based on Sue Townsend’s best-selling book of the same name, the 10-part series is adapted for the screen by Nicholls, who will also serve as lead writer, working with Caitlin and Caroline Moran, Dillon Mapletoft, Oliver Taylor and Jack Rooke.

Casting director Robert Sterne is currently running a nationwide search for a young actor to play Adrian.

Set in the early 1980s and written in journal form, the book recounts the ups and downs of daily life for Adrian and his family in suburban Britain.

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ is a Big Talk Studios production and was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, who said that the writers and producers “have crafted a series that honours the spirit of the original, while opening the door for a whole new audience to fall in love with Adrian Mole.”

The director is Alex Winckler and the producer is Charlotte Robinson. Kenton Allen and Luke Alkin executive produce for Big Talk Studios (part of ITV Studios), alongside Nicholls. The estate of Sue Townsend is represented by Jane Villiers at Sayle Screen.

Seasoned scribe Nicholls said: “I happen to be just a little older than Adrian and have adored this book since reading it on publication. 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.”

Executive producer Allen added: “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.

“David has once again captured something deeply authentic and universally human, and we’re thrilled to be bringing this iconic book and David’s brilliant writing to the screen for generations of Adrian fans new and old.”