Simon Nye adapts Just William for CBBC

Filming has started on Simon Nye's new adaptation of Richmal Crompton's timeless Just William stories for CBBC.


What's it about?

Just William follows the exploits of 11-year-old tearaway William Brown and his band of adventurous "outlaws". Liking nothing better than wreaking havoc in the local woods, William embroils his pals in a series of riotous romps from a spot of photographic blackmail to kidnapping a pair of parrots. Dedicated to dastardly doings, William does his utmost to avoid girls, especially Violet Elisabeth Bott.

Who's in it?

Fresh from his success in Outnumbered, a much-shorn Daniel Roche steps up to play the title role. The stellar cast includes Warren Clarke and Caroline Quentin as new neighbours the Botts, with Daniel Ryan (The Street) and Bafta-winner Rebecca Front (The Thick Of It) playing William's parents.

William's exasperated teachers will be played by Denis Lawson, John Sessions and Bruce Mackinnon. Narrating the series will be the voice behind the classic recordings of the Just William stories, Martin Jarvis.

Other artistes featured in the series range from Judy Parfitt and comedian Roy Hudd to brand-new stars such as Harry Melling (Harry Potter) and Bertie Carvel.

What should we expect?

Steven Andrew, Head of CBBC Productions, said: "If you think Ben in Outnumbered is bad, you wait until you get a glimpse of William! We are incredibly excited to be making this production and have brought together a wonderful cast to do justice to Richmal Crompton's timeless characters and stories".

When will it be shown?

The four-part series will be on location in the Home Counties for the next five weeks and is due to transmit on BBC One and CBBC later in 2010.