The BBC is set to delight a generation of viewers by officially reviving the cherished television adaptation of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾, a full four decades after the programme first appeared on screens.
Plans are firmly in motion for the comeback, which will see the comedic series based on Sue Townsend’s iconic first book return to production with a brand new, all-star cast. The original show was a defining part of 1980s television.
Production Plans and Star-Studded Cast
According to insider reports, BBC executives are determined to assemble a cast of famous faces to do justice to the seminal roles. A source revealed that the producers "appreciate just how seminal the show was the first time round" and are seeking a similarly high-profile lineup.
The reboot will stay true to the heart of Townsend's creation, maintaining its comedic tone and faithfulness to the original material. The source emphasised that the BBC understands the show's profound connection with a generation who both watched it and read the books while growing up.
Filming is scheduled to commence early in the new year, with a target broadcast window set for the latter part of 2026. The show's anticipated popularity has already secured it a prime-time slot on BBC One, signalling the corporation's significant confidence in the project.
A Legacy of Sequels and the Original Series
The potential for this revival extends far beyond a single series. With eight books in the Adrian Mole series written by Townsend, insiders note there is "huge potential for sequels" should the initial reboot prove successful.
The original programme, which first aired on ITV in 1985, followed the life of teenager Adrian Mole as he meticulously documented the trials of adolescence in his diary. Living with his parents, Adrian navigated family drama and his unrequited crush on the popular Pandora Braithwaite, a relationship that eventually blossomed.
The success led to a sequel, The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole, based on Townsend's second book, which aired in 1987. This series saw a cast change, with Lulu taking over the role of Adrian's mother from the original star, Julie Walters.
While the BBC has not yet issued an official confirmation, the active pursuit of well-known actors strongly indicates that the beloved series is indeed on its way back to television, promising to reintroduce the angst-ridden world of Adrian Mole to a new audience.
