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David Walliams' 'Gangsta Granny' returns to BBC with new cast including Sheridan Smith

Katie Archer
·Contributor
·2-min read
David Walliams attends the theatrical run of his best-selling book, Gangsta Granny, to say hello to the audience and cast, seen with Justin Davies , Ben, and Isabel Ford, Granny. The production runs at The Bloomsbury Theatre from December 9th to January 9th and then it heads out across the UK to continue its tour. Picture date: Friday December 10, 2021. (Photo by Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images)
David Walliams is bringing Gangsta Granny back to the BBC. (PA)

David Walliams' Gangsta Granny is returning to the BBC with a brand new cast.

The comedian and children's author's book was adapted for TV in 2013 and now his 2021 sequel story, Gangsta Granny Strikes Again!, is getting its own TV film version.

Read more: When is Julia Donaldson's The Smeds and The Smoos on TV this Christmas?

With the story set one year on from the original, but a nearly 10-year gap between films, main character Ben has of course been recast - but so have some other key roles.

Ben's mum Linda, played by Miranda Hart in 2013, will this time be played by Sheridan Smith (Four Lives, Cleaning Up); Kevin Bishop (Inside No. 9, Porridge) takes over as Italian dancer Flavio from Robbie Williams; Maggie Steed (Fisherman’s Friends, Paddington 2) is the Queen instead of Joanna Lumley; Griff Rhys Jones replaces Rob Brydon as Mr Parker; and Archie Yates (Jojo Rabbit, Home Sweet Home Alone) stars as Ben, originally played by Reece Buttery.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 10: Sheridan Smith attends
Sheridan Smith will play Ben's mum. (Getty Images)

Walliams himself is the only returning cast member, playing Ben's dad Mike.

At the end of Gangsta Granny, Ben's beloved Granny (aka The Black Cat) died after their escapade with the Crown Jewels.

But a year on, with a new spate of thefts occurring, all signs point to The Black Cat again - surely it's impossible that she could be behind the plot?

Read more: Stacey Solomon to rival Kirstie Allsopp in battle of Christmas craft shows

Walliams said: “It is a thrill to revisit these characters in a brand new story. I hope families are going to love this comedy adventure story. A huge thank you to the BBC for making it happen.”

British actor David Walliams smiles as he arrives at Westminster Abbey, in London, on March 14, 2022 to attend the Commonwealth Day service ceremony. (Photo by Daniel LEAL / POOL / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
David Walliams has had many of his books adapted for the BBC. (AFP via Getty Images)

Patricia Hidalgo, director of BBC children’s and education, said: “I can’t imagine a more perfect film for families to sit down and watch together. This adventurous tale will appeal to all generations young and old.”

Jo Sargent, the film's executive producer, added: “We’re excited to be bring the next instalment of David’s Gangsta Granny to the screen with such a stellar cast on board, and to find out what Ben and friends, old and new have been up to since we last saw them.”

Gangsta Granny Strikes Again! is the latest Walliams book to be commissioned by the BBC, following Mr Stink, Gangsta Granny, The Boy In The Dress, Billionaire Boy, Grandpa’s Great Escape and The Midnight Gang.