Cast announced for David Walliams's Billionaire Boy
BBC One has today confirmed the adaptation of David Walliams's Billionaire Boy.
Published in 2011, the childrens' book tells the story of Len, who makes a billion from inventing a new toilet roll, and his 12-year-old son Joe who appears to have everything he could want, but what he really needs is a friend.
The book's adaptation for television follows the success of previous adaptations of Walliams's childrens' books, Gangsta Granny, Mr Stink, and The Boy In The Dress.
The specials have been broadcast as part of BBC One's core Christmas schedule for the past three years, achieving both critical acclaim and large audience figures.
Billionaire Boy will star John Thomson as Len, Joe's dad; with newcomer Elliot Sprakes as Joe.
Playing Joe's shy and very nervous head teacher is James Fleet (The Vicar Of Dibley), while Rebecca Front (The Thick Of It) plays Joe's firm but fair, opera-loving teacher.
Meanwhile Catherine Tate, who starred with Walliams in his sitcom Big School, will play Sapphire Diamond, a 40-something hand model who still likes to pretend she's 21. She is dating Len for his money.
Warwick Davis (Life's Too Short) makes a cameo appearance as himself in the role of Len and Joe's celebrity butler, whilst David Walliams will play Mrs Trafe, a dinner lady at Joe's school who is described as "dirty and old", and who is dreadful at cooking.
The BBC also promise "a cameo performance from a very special mystery celebrity guest".
Matt Lipsey will return to direct the hour-long comedy, having also shot The Boy In The Dress and Gangsta Granny. David Walliams and Kevin Cecil adapted the screenplay from Walliams's original book.
Speaking today, Walliams said:"I am thrilled we have put together another all-star cast of comedy greats for this adaptation. The script is bigger and better than the book and I am excited for everyone to see it on BBC One at Christmas."
BBC executive producer Gregor Sharp explains: "David Walliams's books are a magical combination of memorable characters and brilliantly colourful story so we couldn't happier to be bringing Billionaire Boy to BBC One this Christmas. The terrific script David has written with Kevin Cecil, together with this amazing cast, promises to make this one of the highlights of the festive schedule."
Filming begins next week in Sheffield and Rotherham. Local school children from Oakwood High School, Rotherham, have also been cast to appear in the production as Joe's class mates.
Here is the original trailer for Gangsta Granny:
This story was edited on Monday 5th October to add the news that Catherine Tate will appear in the programme too.