´óÏó´«Ã½

Warren Clarke, Caroline Quentin, Rebecca Front and Daniel Roche are to star in Simon Nye's new adaptation of Richmal Crompton's timeless Just William stories for C´óÏó´«Ã½. Filming has started and, 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 (Linda Green, The Street) and Bafta-winner Rebecca Front (The Thick Of It) playing William's parents.

William's exasperated teachers will be played by the exceptional trio of 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 four-part series range from the distinguished Judy Parfitt and much-loved comedian Roy Hudd to brand-new stars such as Harry Melling (Harry Potter) and Bertie Carvel, lauded in Roger Michell's revival of Rope.

Speaking today, Damian Kavanagh, Controller C´óÏó´«Ã½, said: "We are thrilled to have attracted such a wonderful blend of established stars and exciting new talent to breathe new life into these much-loved stories.

"I can't think of anyone better than Daniel Roche to bring loveable rogue William to the attention of a new generation."

Steven Andrew, Head of C´óÏó´«Ã½ 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".

Just William will follow 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, played by Isabella Blake-Thomas (Enid).

The series will be directed by Paul Seed (Bafta award-winning House Of Cards and A Rather English Marriage) and will have a score composed by Oscar-winning Stephen Warbeck.

Shot by Erik Wilson, the cameraman behind the highly successful TV series Murderland, and designed by Gary Williamson (Lipstick On Your Collar), Just William will be produced by John Chapman and executive produced by Gina Cronk.

The series will be on location in the Home Counties for the next five weeks and is due to transmit on ´óÏó´«Ã½ One and C´óÏó´«Ã½ later this year.

VT