Oliver Savell, known for his role as a young Alan Carr in ITV's Changing Ends, is set to embody the iconic teenage diarist Adrian Mole in the BBC’s highly anticipated adaptation of Sue Townsend’s beloved novel, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾.
A first-look image released by the BBC offers a glimpse of Savell in character. The Bafta-nominated actor is seen wearing a beige jacket and carrying a newspaper delivery bag, leaning against a tree as he gazes towards the camera.
He will be joined by a strong supporting cast, with Lisa McGrillis (Rivals) taking on the role of his mother Pauline, and Colin Hoult (After Life) starring as his father George.
The best-selling book is being adapted for the screen by One Day author David Nicholls. The nine-part series, produced by Big Talk Studios (part of ITV Studios) for the BBC, boasts a scriptwriting team including Caitlin and Caroline Moran (Raised By Wolves), Dillon Mapletoft and Oliver Taylor (Everyone Else Burns), and Jack Rooke (Big Boys).
The ensemble cast also features Pam Ferris as Grandma, Galaxie Clear as Pandora, and Alun Armstrong as Bert. Other announced cast members include Jude Forsey as Nigel, Rory Keenan as Mr Lucas, David Wilmot as Mr Scruton, and Karl Collins as Mr Cherry.
The story, which begins in 1981, delves into Adrian’s candid diary entries, exploring family life and the universal anxieties of being a teenager, from battling spots and navigating his parents’ divorce to the torment of first love.
Filming is currently underway in and around Hartlepool in Co Durham, with the series expected to air next year.
