The BBC has announced the cast for its upcoming adaptation of Sue Townsend's The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾, with filming now underway. The nine-part series, set to air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One, is adapted by David Nicholls and produced by Big Talk Studios.
Oliver Savell, nominated for a BAFTA for Best Male Comedy Performance in 2025 and again for 2026, will play the titular character. Savell also won the Royal Television Society award for Best Male Comedy Performance in 2025. He previously appeared in Changing Ends and Belfast.
The supporting cast includes Lisa McGrillis as Adrian's mother Pauline, Colin Hoult as his father George, Pam Ferris as Grandma, Galaxie Clear as Pandora, and Alun Armstrong as Bert. Additional roles are played by Jude Forsey, Rory Keenan, David Wilmot, and Karl Collins.
Alongside David Nicholls, the series is written by Caitlin Moran, Caroline Moran, Dillon Mapletoft, Oliver Taylor, and Jack Rooke. Alex Winckler directs, and Charlotte Robinson produces. Filming takes place in Hartlepool and Sunderland, supported by the North East Production Fund.
The story is set in 1981, following Adrian through his diary as he navigates adolescence, family issues, and first love, offering a humorous and poignant look at suburban British life.
