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The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ will reportedly soon be returning to TV in a huge reboot 40 years after it first aired.
It is thought that the BBC are lining up an impressive cast and it will be airing at the end of 2026.
The series were based on Sue Townsend’s book and ITV aired the first in 1985, with the next called The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole being released in 1987.
A source told The Sun: ‘The Beeb are looking to install a similarly famous cast to play the roles in this new version, as they appreciate just how seminal the show was the first time round.
‘They’re going to keep the vibe of the show as very comedic, and faithful to Townsend’s original creation, particularly as they understand a whole generation of viewers watched this programme, and read the book, when they were growing up.
‘Filming is likely to start early in the new year with a view to it potentially airing towards the end of 2026 – and given how anticipated it will be, it’s likely to land itself a prime time slot.’
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ will reportedly soon be returning to TV in a huge reboot 40 years after it first aired
It is thought that the BBC are lining up an impressive cast and it will be airing at the end of 2026 (Gian Sammarco seen as Adrian in 1985)
The BBC has been contacted by the Daily Mail for comment.
The book is written in a diary style, and focuses on the worries and regrets of a teenager who believes himself to be an intellectual.
He writes candidly about the family dog, his parents’ marital troubles and life as a tortured poet.
Starring Gian Sammarco as Adrian back in 1985, it was adapted from Townsend’s book and featured actors like Julie Walters as his mother and Stephen Moore as his father.
Beryl Reid was also a main cast member as Adrian’s grandmother.
It was followed by a second series, The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole, based on the second book.
The book has also been adapted into other formats, including a 1984 stage play and a later stage musical.
It was a huge fan favourite in the 80s and many will no doubt be delighted it is coming back.
The series was mainly filmed on location in the Braunstone and South Wigston areas of Leicester.
The series were based on Sue Townsend’s first book and ITV aired the first in 1985, with the next called The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole being released in 1987
A source told The Sun: ‘The Beeb are looking to install a similarly famous cast to play the roles in this new version, as they appreciate just how seminal the show was the first time round’ (Julie Walters played his mother Pauline Mole)
The Moles’ house and street were actually filmed in Ludlow Close, South Harrow and Adrian’s school scenes at Neil Armstrong Comprehensive were all filmed at Hammersmith School in West London.
Gian, who played Adrian is now 55. He was among 100 boys who auditioned back in the day for the part.
Apart from the two series of Adrian Mole, his other television appearances included co-presenting the first series of the children’s Saturday morning show Get Fresh in 1986 and playing Whizzkid in the 1988 Doctor Who story The Greatest Show in the Galaxy.
His last acting role was in the 1990 children’s Indiana Jones-style comedy series, Jackson Pace: The Great Years, alongside Keith Allen and Josie Lawrence.
