Shooting starts next week

A cast of comedy favourites has been announced for the BBC One adaptation of David Walliams's book, Billionaire Boy.

The hour-long special will air at Christmas following the previous successes of the comedian's other children's titles Gangsta Granny, Mr Stink and The Boy In The Dress.

Billionaire Boy revolves around Len – to be played by John Thomson – who makes a billion from inventing a new toilet roll, Bumfresh, and his lonely 12-year-old son Joe.

The cast also includes The Vicar Of Dibley's James Fleet as a nervous headteacher, Rebecca Front as a teacher, Warwick Davis as himself as the family's 'celebrity butler' and Walliams himself in drag as Mrs Trafe, a 'dirty and old' dinner lady

Joe will be played by Elliot Sprakes in his first major TV role.

The programme was commissioned by BBC comedy chief Shane Allen, and BBC One's controller Charlotte Moore, and will be made by King Bert Productions, the company set up by Walliams, Miranda Hart and producer Jo Sargant.

BBC executive producer Gregor Sharp said: 'David Walliams' books are a magical combination of memorable characters and brilliantly colourful story. 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, with schoolchildren from Oakwood High School, Rotherham, cast to appear as Joe's classmates.

Walliams said: 'I am thrilled we have put together another all-star cast of comedy greats for this adaptation.'

Published: 2 Oct 2015