BBC adapting David Walliams's Gangsta Granny Strikes Again!
- Maggie Steed plays the Queen in the BBC's adaptation of David Walliams's Gangsta Granny Strikes Again!
- She and Walliams are joined in the cast by Sheridan Smith, Kevin Bishop, Griff Rhys Jones and Archie Yates
- World famous treasures are being stolen in the dead of night, with all clues pointing to the return of The Black Cat, aka Gangsta Granny
David Walliams is paying homage to the Queen for the BBC's adaptation of his book Gangsta Granny Strikes Again!, British Comedy Guide can exclusively reveal.
Filming began yesterday on the BBC One sequel, which will also air on CBBC and iPlayer, with Maggie Steed (Fisherman's Friends, Ten Percent - pictured) playing the monarch. She takes over from Joanna Lumley in the role, following the corporation's 2013 adaptation of children's book Gangsta Granny, about a boy and his grandmother trying to steal the crown jewels.
However, unlike in Walliams's 2021 novel and the original film, the role is no longer directly based on the late Queen Elizabeth II a BBC spokesperson told BCG, presumably out of sensitivity for her recent passing.
Jo Jo Rabbit star Archie Yates assumes the role of the adolescent hero, Ben, in the hour-long film, with Walliams returning as his father, Mike.
Sheridan Smith has replaced Miranda Hart as Ben's mother Linda, Kevin Bishop replaces Robbie Williams as Italian dancer Flavio and Griff Rhys Jones takes over the role of the nosey Mr Parker from Rob Brydon.
Smith is playing Walliams's spouse again after their roles as a wicked witch and troll in Sky Max's Hansel & Gretel: After Ever After last year.
The pair also shared the screen in Sky's adaptation of Walliams's Ratburger and an episode of Walliams's 2016 BBC One sketch show Walliams & Friend, and will likely have several musical numbers together in the new Gangsta Granny film, playing Ben's dance-obsessed parents.
Walliams has written the script with his regular collaborator Kevin Cecil (Year Of The Rabbit, Veep).
The Little Britain star said: "It is a thrill to revisit these characters in a brand new story. I hope families are going to love this comedy adventure story. A huge thank you to the BBC for making it happen."
The eponymous Gangsta Granny, aka The Black Cat, played by Julia McKenzie, died at the end of the first film (pictured below).
But in the sequel, Walliams's first, Ben has just begun adjusting to life without his beloved granny when world famous treasures start being stolen in the dead of night, with all clues pointing to the Black Cat's return.
Dan Zeff (The Queen And I, Eric, Ernie And Me) is directing and Rosemary McGowan (Sandylands, 2point4 Children) is the producer for Walliams's production company King Bert (Sick Note, Miranda Does Christmas), with Nick Leadbitter co-producing and Jo Sargent executive producing.
Gangsta Granny Strikes Again! is the latest David Walliams book to be commissioned by the BBC following Mr Stink, Gangsta Granny, The Boy In The Dress, Billionaire Boy, Grandpa's Great Escape and The Midnight Gang.
It was commissioned by Sarah Muller, head of commissioning and acquisitions 6-12 and Patricia Hidalgo, director BBC Children's and Education. Commissioning editor for the BBC is Melissa Hardinge.
"I can't imagine a more perfect film for families to sit down and watch together" Hidalgo said. "This adventurous tale will appeal to all generations young and old."
Sargent added: "We're excited to be bringing the next instalment of David's Gangsta Granny to the screen with such a stellar cast on board and to find out what Ben and friends, old and new have been up to since we last saw them."
British Comedy Guide first reported that Gangsta Granny Strikes Again! was going into production in July, alongside breaking the news of Little Red Riding Hood: After Ever After, which will star Walliams and stand-up Jack Carroll, with details of the titular heroine still to emerge.
Walliams's latest children's book, Spaceboy, is published today. And last week it was revealed that the prolific author's latest picture book, Grannysaurus, will be published in time for Christmas.