BBC confirms David Walliams's Boy In The Dress comedy drama
BBC One has now confirmed plans to adapt a third children's book from David Walliams, following the success of Gangsta Granny and Mr Stink.
Boy In The Dress, the first book written by Walliams, published in 2008, will now be dramatised, for broadcast this Christmas.
The hour-long Christmas special will be adapted by writers Kevin Cecil and Andy Riley alongside Walliams himself. It tells the story of a 12-year-old boy who enjoys cross-dressing, and the reactions of his family and friends.
Walliams says: "I am over the moon that my first novel for children is going to be on BBC One at Christmas. I was very pleased with the adaptations of Mr Stink and Gangsta Granny, and I trust Boy In The Dress will delight and surprise a family audience."
Mr Stink was adapted in 2012 with Hugh Bonneville in the lead role, and Gangsta Granny was adapted in 2013 starring Julia McKenzie. Both proved popular with critics and the audience, with both the festive broadcasts reaching over 7 million viewers.
The star is expected to appear on screen in the new special, having acted in the two previous programmes. In Mr Stink he played the Prime Minister, whilst in Gangsta Granny he played a dance-obsessed father.
The new comedy drama has been commissioned by Shane Allen, who says: "Boy In The Dress is a very touching, hilarious and poignant story of why being different is something to celebrate. As with David's other novel adaptations I have no doubt this will attract an exceptional cast and be a special Christmas treat for all the family."
David Walliams is currently appearing as a judge on Britain's Got Talent, and is also busy filming a second series of his BBC One sitcom Big School, with all the main cast returning alongside some new teacher characters. The series will be shown later in the year.
Boy In The Dress will be broadcast close or on Christmas Day. Casting details will be announced nearer the time.
Below is a short video from David Walliams: