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

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.

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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.

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?

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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.”

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.