The BBC has revealed it is bringing Adrian Mole back to TV.

The broadcaster has commissioned a new 10-part series based on the books by Sue Townsend.

David Nicholls is working on the show as lead writer, alongside Caitlin Moran and Caroline Moran, Dillon Mapletoft and Oliver Taylor, and Jack Rooke.

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ marks the return of an iconic British character to TV screens.

It’s New Year’s Day 1981 and Adrian starts his uniquely funny diary about family life and being a teenager before the advent of mobile phones and social media.

The BBC said a nationwide search is currently underway to find the actor to play Adrian.

Speaking about the new series, Nicholls said: “I happen to be just a little older than Adrian and have adored this book since reading it on publication. It’s a classic piece of comic writing and an incredible piece of ventriloquism on Sue Townsend’s part – how did she know? Adapting Adrian for the screen is an absolute pleasure.”