Cast announced for festive special

An adaptation of David Walliams’ book, Billionaire Boy has begun filming for transmission on BBC One this Christmas.

Billionaire Boy is the story of Len, who makes a billion from inventing a new toilet roll, and his 12-year-old son Joe who appears to have everything he could want but what he really needs is a friend.

The book has been adapted for TV by David Walliams and Kevin Cecil, with Walliams also featuring as Mrs Trafe, a dinner lady at Joe’s school who is described as dirty and old and who is dreadful at cooking.

The hour-long special also stars John Thomson (The Fast Show, Cold Feet) as Joe’s dad, Len, who invents a new toilet roll – Bumfresh – making him millions. Playing Joe’s shy and very nervous head teacher is James Fleet (Vicar Of Dibley, Partners In Crime) while Rebecca Front (The Thick Of It) plays Joe’s firm but fair, opera-loving teacher. There’s also an appearance from Warwick Davis (Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi, Harry Potter) playing himself in the role of Len and Joe’s celebrity butler. Joe is played by Elliot Sprakes in his first major TV role. There’s also a cameo performance from a very special mystery celebrity guest

Billionaire Boy is the fourth BBC adaptation of a Walliams novel, following the successes of Gangsta Granny, Mr Stink and The Boy In The Dress.

Walliams says: “I am thrilled we have put together another all-star cast of comedy greats for this adaptation. The script is bigger and better than the book and I am excited for everyone to see it on BBC One at Christmas.”

Billionaire Boy begins filming next week (Oct) in Sheffield and Rotherham which will also include local school children from Oakwood High School, Rotherham, as Joe’s class mates.