FIRST LOOK The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾

With Oliver Savell taking on the iconic role.

As filming begins in and around Hartlepool on BBC One's new adaptation of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾, a first look image has been released, confirming that Oliver Savell will be taking on the iconic role alongside other key cast members.

He'll star alongside Lisa McGrillis as his mother, Pauline, Colin Hoult as his father, George, Pam Ferris as Grandma, Galaxie Clear as Pandora and Alun Armstrong as Bert. Other cast members include Jude Forsey as Nigel, Rory Keenan as Mr Lucas, David Wilmot as Mr Scruton and Karl Collins as Mr Cherry.

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ marks the return of an iconic British character to our screens. It’s New Year’s Day 1981, and Adrian starts his uniquely funny diary about family life and being a teenager before the advent of mobile phones and social media.

With only a multi-coloured ballpoint pen as his guide, Adrian worries about his spots, his parents’ divorce, the torment of first love and the fact he’s never seen a female nipple.

This vivid portrait of suburban life in Britain shows how much we have changed while staying the same. The result is a timeless family drama that is as warm and funny as it is sad and poignant.

Made by Big Talk Studios, part of ITV Studios, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ is based on Sue Townsend's best-selling book of the same name, and is being adapted for the screen by David Nicholls.

Caitlin Moran and Caroline Moran, Dillon Mapletoft and Oliver Taylor, and Jack Rooke are also writing the nine-part series.

It'll be directed by Alex Winckler, produced by Charlotte Robinson and executive produced by Kenton Allen and Luke Alkin for Big Talk Studios, and David Nicholls and Alex Winckler.

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ will air on BBC One