Lennie James will star in a new adaptation of Bernadine Evaristo’s 2013 novel, Mr Loverman, to be produced by Fable Pictures for BBC One. 
 

The 8 x 30 series is due to film later this year, with Hong Khaou directing from Nathaniel Price’s scripts.
 

It will be executive produced by Faye Ward, Hannah Farrell and Hannah Price for Fable Pictures, and Jo McClellan for the BBC. James will executive produce and Price will associate produce. 
 

James stars as Barrington Jedidiah Walker, Esq. Barry to his mates. Barry is a 70-year-old, exuberant, Hackney personality, known for his dapper style and retro suits. Carmel, his wife of 50 years, thinks that Barry has been cheating on her with other women, not realising that he has been having a lengthy, passionate relationship with his best friend and soulmate, Morris… 
 

Booker-winning author Evaristo said: “I am thrilled that Mr Loverman is being adapted into television drama. I love the idea of them stepping beyond the pages of the novel and into people’s living rooms and lives.”
 

James added: “I can’t wait to get Barrington’s swagger on and help tell this crucial and complicated love story. As funny as it is sad. As full of heart as it is heartache…”
 

Writer Price remarked: “From the moment I read ‘Mr Loverman’ I fell in love with Barry, Morris, Carmel and the entire Walker family. Bernardine’s novel is not only a beautiful, truthful story, full deeply human characters, it is a vitally important one. 
 

“It is unflinching in its challenge of cultural myths and stereotypes, and an exhibition of just how deep and far-reaching the consequences of prejudice and fear can be. It has been an honour and a privilege to have had the chance to adapt this seminal work with the brilliant team at Fable to bring these unforgettable characters to life on screen.”
 
Lennie James image via Antonio Olmos.