The BBC is planning a major television event that will delight generations of British viewers - The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ is returning to screens after forty years. According to reports, the beloved coming-of-age story will receive a lavish reboot scheduled to air in late 2026.
Return of a British Classic
This revival marks four decades since the programme first captivated audiences on ITV in 1985. The new adaptation will remain faithful to Sue Townsend's original creation, maintaining the comedic tone that made the series so enduring. A source revealed to The Sun that the BBC intends to assemble an impressive, famous cast comparable to the original production, recognising the seminal status of the initial series.
The insider explained: 'The Beeb are looking to install a similarly famous cast to play the roles in this new version, as they appreciate just how seminal the show was the first time round. They're going to keep the vibe of the show as very comedic, and faithful to Townsend's original creation.'
Production Timeline and Expectations
Filming for the Adrian Mole reboot is expected to commence early next year, with a target broadcast date towards the end of 2026. Given the anticipated interest in the series revival, the programme is likely to secure a prime time slot on BBC schedules.
The original series starred Gian Sammarco as the angst-ridden teenager who fancies himself an intellectual. The cast featured celebrated actors including Julie Walters as Adrian's mother Pauline and Stephen Moore as his father, with Beryl Reid completing the main ensemble as his grandmother.
Legacy of Adrian Mole
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ first appeared on ITV in 1985, followed by a sequel series The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole in 1987. Both were adapted from Sue Townsend's bestselling books, which chronicled the worries and regrets of a teenager navigating family drama, romantic frustrations, and aspirations of becoming a great poet.
The book's distinctive diary format captured the hearts of readers and viewers alike, addressing themes ranging from family pet concerns to parental marital troubles with candid humour. Beyond television, the stories have been adapted into multiple formats including a 1984 stage play and subsequent musical production.
The original television series was primarily filmed in Leicester locations including Braunstone and South Wigston, with the Mole family home situated in Ludlow Close, South Harrow. School scenes were shot at Hammersmith School in West London, standing in for the fictional Neil Armstrong Comprehensive.
Gian Sammarco, now 55, landed the iconic role of Adrian after beating approximately 100 other boys in auditions. Following his success in the Mole series, he co-presented the children's programme Get Fresh in 1986 and appeared in Doctor Who in 1988. His final acting role came in 1990 with the adventure series Jackson Pace.
The BBC has been approached for comment by the Daily Mail regarding the reboot plans. For fans who grew up with Adrian's hilarious misadventures, this announcement promises a welcome return to one of Britain's most cherished literary and television characters.
