BBC to turn David Walliams' novel Boy in the Dress into a Christmas film

David Walliams has revealed his debut novel The Boy In The Dress is being adapted for TV.

The Britain's Got Talent judge tweeted: "I am very excited to tell you that my first children's book The Boy in the Dress is going to be a Christmas TV film on @BBCOne"

This follows the previous adaptation of David's books Mr Stink, which was broadcast on December 23, 2012 on BBC One, starring Hugh Bonneville in the title role, and Gangsta Granny which was shown on the same channel in 2013, with an all-star cast including Robbie Williams.

The Boy In The Dress was the Little Britain star's debut children's book, published in 2008, about a young boy named Dennis who likes dressing up in girls clothes and so assumes the alter-ego Denise. Camp comedian David has said the story was semi-autobiographical.

The actor and comedian now plans to have all his remaining children's books, which are illustrated by Quentin Blake, adapted for the small screen.

TV versions of his books Ratburger, Demon Dentist and Billionaire Boy are expected to follow.

David revealed Jo Sargeant, who produced Mr Stink and Grangsta Granny, was working on the forthcoming adaptations of the other four.

 

Patrick McLennan

Patrick McLennan is a London-based journalist and documentary maker who has worked as a writer, sub-editor, digital editor and TV producer in the UK and New Zealand. His CV includes spells as a news producer at the BBC and TVNZ, as well as web editor for Time Inc UK. He has produced TV news and entertainment features on personalities as diverse as Nick Cave, Tom Hardy, Clive James, Jodie Marsh and Kevin Bacon and he co-produced and directed The Ponds, which has screened in UK cinemas, BBC Four and is currently available on Netflix. 


An entertainment writer with a diverse taste in TV and film, he lists Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Chase, The Thick of It and Detectorists among his favourite shows, but steers well clear of most sci-fi.