Harry Hill to star as Professor Branestawm in BBC comedy
Harry Hill is to star in Professor Branestawm, a family-friendly BBC One comedy drama adapted from Norman Hunter's classic children's books.
The TV Burp star will portray the title character, described as "the original mad professor". Branestawm is an absent-minded inventor who is oblivious to the chaos his ridiculous creations cause when they go wrong, which they always do.
Producers explain: "If it weren't for the efforts of his long suffering and highly-strung housekeeper, Mrs Flittersnoop, and his dim but loyal best friend, Colonel Dedshott of the Catapult Cavaliers, the professor would long ago have blown himself to smithereens."
Professor Branestawm first appeared in a series of thirteen books written by the English author Norman Hunter over a 50-year period, between 1933 and 1983. The one-off TV film is being adapted by Charlie Higson. Star of The Fast Show, Higson has previously created the Young Bond novel series.
Set in the quintessential English village of Great Pagwell, the hour long special sees Mrs Flittersnoop's science-mad niece, Connie, come to the Professor's rescue when health and safety obsessed local councillor Harold Haggerstone tries to get him shut down and kicked out of the village as a dangerous nuisance.
Getting On star Vicki Pepperdine will play Mrs Flittersnoop, with Simon Day as Colonel Dedshott and David Mitchell as councillor Harold Haggerstone. Madeline Holliday, from CBBC comedy Hank Zipzer, will portray young Connie.
A host of other comedy actors are also involved in the show, with Ben Miller as Mr Bullimore; Miranda Richardson playing Connie's teacher, Miss Blitherington; Sophie Thompson as Connie's mum, Aggie; and Adrian Scarborough as the Vicar. Charlie Higson will appear in the role of the Mayor.
Harry Hill says: "As a budding schoolboy scientist and inventor myself I loved the Professor Branestawm books as a kid, I was fascinated by Heath Robinson's wonderful illustrations too. It's a thrill for me to be playing the prof in Charlie Higson's brilliant TV adaptation. Best Christmas present ever!"
Charlie Higson comments: "I loved Norman Hunter's Professor Branestawm books when I was a kid, and I loved reading them to my own kids, who found them as funny as I did. These were the books that inspired me to write comedy of my own, and I've always wanted to adapt them for the screen. To bring Heath Robinson's brilliant illustrations to life and share Norman Hunter's amazing inventiveness with a wider audience is a dream come true for me."
BBC One's Charlotte Moore adds: "In recent years BBC One has produced some truly wonderful adaptations which have been huge hits with our audience and I have no doubt that Charlie Higson's take on Professor Branestawm, starring the brilliant Harry Hill, will prove to be just as magical and popular."
Shane Allen, the Controller of Comedy Commissioning, says: "This classic of children's literature has found its perfect match in Charlie Higson's inventive adaptation and a kindred lead with the eccentric, warm and hilarious Harry Hill. It's great knockabout fun to bring the family together."
It is a busy autumn for Harry Hill. As previously reported, he is also shortly due to host the revived Stars In Their Eyes for ITV. Professor Branestawm is expected to be shown in BBC One's Christmas schedules.