THE Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ is to return to TV — 40 years after it first aired.
BBC bosses are lining up a star cast and hope to screen the comedy series, based on Sue Townsend’s first book, late next year.
ITV put out the first in 1985 and follow-up, The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole, in 1987.
A TV insider said: “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, particularly as they understand a whole generation of viewers watched this programme, and read the book, when they were growing up.
“Filming is likely to start early in the new year with a view to it potentially airing towards the end of 2026 – and given how anticipated it will be, it’s likely to land itself a prime time slot.
“The fact they’re already putting it on BBC One speaks volumes about how important they view the reboot.
“It has huge potential for sequels too as there are eight books in the Adrian Mole series to adapt.”
The programme is yet to be fully commissioned but it’s now at an advanced stage, with lead stars being lined up.
The show revolved around teenager Adrian who chronicled his adolescent difficulties in a diary he pens daily in the suburban home he shares with his mum and dad.
Fellow schoolgirl Pandora Braithwaite, the most popular girl in their class, is the object of his affections, and eventually they start a relationship.
A second series, The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole which was based on Townsend’s second book in the series, aired in 1987 with Lulu taking over the role of his mother from Walters.
