The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole casting confirmed for new BBC series with Rivals and Slow Horses stars

Filming has now begun on the BBC's new adaptation of Sue Townsend’s best-selling book.

Oliver Savell as Adrian Mole in The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾, leaning against a tree with a bike in the background. He is carrying a bag full of newspapers with The Evening Tribune written on it.

BBC/Big Talk Studios/Helen Williams

Published: Tuesday, 14 April 2026 at 9:00 am

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Following reports last month, it has now been officially confirmed that Changing Ends star Oliver Savell will lead the cast of BBC's new series, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾.

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Savell will play Adrian, the iconic character from Sue Townsend’s best-selling book of the same name, in the BBC's forthcoming adaptation, which has begun filming in Hartlepool.

A first-look image has now been released of Savell in character, while a host of other stars have been confirmed for the nine-part series, which is set to air in 2027.

Rivals star Lisa McGrillis will be playing Adrian's mother, Pauline, while Slow Horses star Colin Hoult will be playing his father, George.

Lisa McGrillis and Colin Hoult.

Lisa McGrillis and Colin Hoult. Mike Marsland/WireImage, Euan Cherry/Getty Images

Additional cast members include Pam Ferris (Call the Midwife) as Grandma, Galaxie Clear (Secret Service) as Pandora, Alun Armstrong (After the Flood) as Bert, Jude Forsey (Hollyoaks) as Nigel, Rory Keenan (The Regime) as Mr Lucas, David Wilmot (Industry) as Mr Scruton and Karl Collins (Doctor Who) as Mr Cherry.

The adaptation comes from David Nicholls (One Day), along with Caitlin Moran and Caroline Moran (Raised By Wolves), Dillon Mapletoft and Oliver Taylor (Everyone Else Burns) and Jack Rooke (Big Boys).

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The synopsis for the series says: "It’s New Year’s Day 1981 and Adrian starts his uniquely funny diary about family life and being a teenager before the advent of mobile phones and social media. With only a multi-coloured ballpoint pen as his guide, Adrian worries about his spots, his parents' divorce, the torment of first love and the fact he’s never seen a female nipple.

"This vivid portrait of suburban life in Britain shows how much we have changed while staying the same. The result is a timeless family drama that is as warm and funny as it is sad and poignant."

Townsend’s book was first published in 1982, with a host of sequels following over the years after. The final book in the series, Adrian Mole: The Prostrate Years, was published in 2009.

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2027.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of James Hibbs, smiling against a lime green background.

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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