BBC One have announced the commission of David Walliams's popular children's book Gangsta Granny for Christmas 2013. The TV special was commissioned by departing controller of BBC One Danny Cohen, as well as newly appointed BBC head of Comedy Shane Allen. The production will be In-House and is scheduled to be screened later this year. Fronted by the same team who made Mr Stink - which has secured a BAFTA nomination - the script will be written by Kevin Cecil & Andy Riley, who also co wrote Gnomeo & Juliet & Black Books. David Walliams will also be lending his writing hand too. Speaking in a BBC press release, David Walliams talks about his excitement of seeing Gangsta Granny being made for TV;
"Gangsta Granny has proved to be the most popular of all my books. It is an adventure story about two unlikely thieves, Granny and her grandson, Ben. It should make for exciting family viewing at Christmas."
Shane Allen then spoke about the story and how the show will make terrific Christmas television for the BBC;
"The story delivers on Davids penchant for being outrageously funny, yet poignant and tender as well. This will be a wonderful family viewing treat for this Christmas and were thrilled about seeing it make the journey from page to screen."
The special will be executive produced by BBC Head Of In House Comedy Mark Freeland, Producer Jo Stargent, who produced Miranda & Mr Stink, as well as Bert Proudctions association with the production. This will be the second of David Walliam's books being adapted for TV. The first was Mr Stink, which was released during the Christmas season last year, and secured over 6 million viewers during a tea-time slot. Other books include Billionaire Boy & The Boy In The Dress. His books have sold over 400,000 copies, with Gangsta Granny currently number one in the Children's book chart.