The BBC has unveiled a first look at its upcoming coming-of-age series, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾, which is based on Sue Townsend’s best-selling book of the same name.

The nine-part series, adapted for the screen by David Nicholls (One Day, Us), stars Oliver Savell (Changing Ends, Belfast) as the iconic titular character, Adrian Mole, alongside Pam Ferris (Call the Midwife, Matilda), Lisa McGrillis (Rivals, Mum) and Alun Armstrong (The Choral, Breeders).

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole - Adrian Mole (Oliver Savell)© Helen Williams
Oliver Savell plays Adrian Mole in The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole

Billed as a warm yet poignant family drama, the ’80s-set series follows teenager Adrian as he begins writing a diary about family life and the highs and lows of adolescence.

In a first look at the series, which is being filmed in and around Hartlepool in County Durham, BAFTA-animated star Oliver Savell is pictured wearing a beige jacket and carrying a newspaper delivery bag while leaning against a tree.

What is The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ about?

The series, which is also written by journalist Caitlin Moran and Caroline Moran (Raised By Wolves), Dillon Mapletoft and Oliver Taylor (Everyone Else Burns) and Jack Rooke (Big Boys), follows the life of teenager Adrian Mole in the 1980s.

On New Year’s Day 1981, 13-year-old Adrian starts his uniquely funny diary about family life and being a teenager before the advent of mobile phones and social media.

Lisa McGrillis attends the National Theatre "Up Next" 2026 Gala at The National Theatre on March 05, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage)© Mike Marsland/WireImage
Lisa McGrillis plays Adrian’s mother Pauline

The synopsis continues: “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.”

Meanwhile, Adrian’s mother Pauline wrestles with her feminist awakening and his father George struggles with being made redundant in an unforgiving economy.

A host of memorable characters will be brought to life on screen, including Adrian’s ‘treacle-haired beloved’ Pandora, his take-no-prisoners Grandma and his unlikely friend, the foul-mouthed pensioner Bert Baxter.

Pam Ferris at BFI event© Ian West – PA Images, Getty
Pam Ferris plays Grandma in the series

The synopsis concludes: “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.”

Who else stars in The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾?

Oliver Savell (Changing Ends, Belfast) leads the cast as Adrian Mole.

He’s joined by Lisa McGrillis (Rivals, Mum) as Adrian’s mother Pauline and Colin Hoult (After Life, Slow Horses) as his father George. Meanwhile, Pam Ferris (Matilda, Callthe Midwife) plays Grandma, Galaxie Clear (Extra Geography, Secret Service) portrays Pandora and Alun Armstrong (New Tricks, Breeders) plays Bert.

Alun Armstrong leaning on a bike© Alamy Stock Photo
New Tricks star Alun Armstrong plays Bert in the drama

Other cast members include Jude Forsey as Nigel, Rory Keenan as Mr Lucas, David Wilmot as Mr Scruton and Karl Collins as Mr Cherry.

When will The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ be released?

The series will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One next year.