BBC One has announced the cast for Billionaire Boy, the channel’s fourth dramatisation of a David Walliams book.

The hour-long adaptation begins filming this week in Sheffield and Rotherham.

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

John Thomson (Cold Feet) will play Joe’s dad, Len, who invents a new toilet roll – Bumfresh – making him millions. James Fleet (The Vicar Of Dibley) will play Joe’s shy and very nervous head teacher, while Rebecca Front (The Thick Of It) plays Joe’s firm but fair, opera-loving teacher.

David Walliams (Big School) will play Mrs Trafe, a dinner lady at Joe’s school, and Doctor Who star Catherine Tate will also appear.

Billionaire Boy will air on BBC One this Christmas and follows the successes of Gangsta Granny, Mr Stink and last year’s The Boy In The Dress.

Walliams commented: “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.”

Executive producer Gregor Sharp added: “David Walliams’ books are a magical combination of memorable characters and brilliantly colourful story so we couldn’t happier to be bringing Billionaire Boy to BBC One this Christmas. The terrific script David has written with Kevin Cecil, together with this amazing cast, promises to make this one of the highlights of the festive schedule.”

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