First look at Adrian Mole as BBC films in the North East

Oliver Savell as Adrian Mole <i>(Image: BBC)</i>
Oliver Savell as Adrian Mole (Image: BBC)
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Fans of classic British comedy are being treated to a first glimpse of Changing Ends star Oliver Savell stepping into one of literature’s most beloved teenage roles.

Filming of the nine-part BBC series adaptation of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ is under way in and around Hartlepool and County Durham.

The series, based on Sue Townsend's best-selling book, features Oliver Savell as Adrian Mole, seen in this first-look picture wearing a beige jacket and carrying a newspaper delivery bag.

The adaptation, penned by One Day author David Nicholls, will be produced by Big Talk Studios for the BBC, and is set to air next year.

Rivals’ Lisa McGrillis and After Life’s Colin Hoult have also been cast as Adrian's parents, Pauline and George.

Pam Ferris is on board as Grandma, Galaxie Clear will be Pandora, and Alun Armstrong will play Bert.

The series will also feature Jude Forsey as Nigel, Rory Keenan as Mr Lucas, David Wilmot as Mr Scruton, and Karl Collins as Mr Cherry.


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The story begins in 1981, following the life of Adrian, who documents his daily experiences in diary entries.

It highlights his struggles with teenage life, his parents' divorce, and his first love.

The adaptation is being penned by Caitlin Moran and Caroline Moran, who wrote Raised By Wolves, Dillon Mapletoft and Oliver Taylor, who co-created Everyone Else Burns, and Jack Rooke, who wrote Big Boys.

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