The drama, adapted from Bernardine Evaristo’s book, will become an eight-part drama series. 

The BBC have announced that they have commissioned an adaptation of Bernardine Evaristo‘s acclaimed 2013 novel Mr Loverman.

Described as a life-affirming story about family, love, and being true to yourself, the story centres on its exuberant protagonist, Barrington Jedidiah Walker. Bringing “Barry” to life is Lennie James (Save Me, Line of Duty).

Barrington Jedidiah Walker, Esq. Barry to his mates. Trouble to his wife, his daughters, and his lover. Seventy years old, Antiguan born, exuberant Hackney personality, Barry is renowned for his dapper taste and fondness for retro suits. Carmel, his wife of 50 years, senses that Barry has been cheating on her with other women. Little does she know what’s really going on: a secret, decades-long passionate affair with his best friend and soulmate, Morris. Now entering the next chapter of his life, Barry has big choices to make that will force his whole family to question their own futures.

Nathaniel Price (The Outlaws, Noughts & Crosses) adapts the novel and filming takes place later this year.

Bernardine Evaristo says:

“I am thrilled that Mr Loverman is being adapted into television drama. I love the idea of them stepping beyond the pages of the novel and into people’s living rooms and lives.”

Lennie James adds:

“I can’t wait to get Barrington’s swagger on and help tell this crucial and complicated love story. As funny as it is sad. As full of heart as it is heartache…”

Mr Loverman becomes a four-hour series, across eight 30-minute episodes for BBC One and iPlayer. The director is Hong Khaou (Baptiste), and the executive producers are Faye Ward, Hannah Farrell and Hannah Price for Fable Pictures, and Jo McClellan for the BBC. Lennie James also executive produces, with Nathaniel Price as an associate producer.

We’ll keep you posted on Mr Loverman.