As Alan Partridge writers adapt Eric Morecambe's novel for the BBC

Lenny Rush is to play The Reluctant Vampire in a new supernatural comedy based on Eric Morecambe’s books.

The comic’s 1982 novel and its follow-up The Vampire’s Revenge are being adapted for BBC One by Rob & Neil Gibbons – who write Alan Partridge with Steve Coogan.

Am I Being Unreasonable? star Rush said: ‘How lucky am I to bring to life something from the mind of comedy legend Eric Morecambe? I just love Rob and Neil’s interpretation, so many jokes and brilliant ideas. The flying might be a stretch but I’m game for anything!’

He plays Val, who has been raised in a typical vampire family but has always felt a bit different and hopelessly inept at rising to meet his Dad’s high standards. And following a surprise ​encounter with his reflection, he realises he is not, actually, undead.

Programme-makers Boffola Pictures call the six-part series ‘a heart-warming show about finding your own identity while longing to fit in, and the tensions between family life and social life, and the struggle between conformity and kicking out against the path that’s been prescribed for you’

The Gibbons brothers said in a statement: ‘According to Slavic folklore, vampires are nocturnal parasites who prey on the blood of humans. During often frenzied attacks, they target the neck, using razor sharp canine teeth to puncture the carotid artery and gorge on blood, leaving victims lifeless and defiled. We look forward to bringing their story to a BBC family audience in the new year.’

The show was first announced in 2023, but Rush’s casting was confirmed at the BBC Comedy Festival in Belfast today by the broadcaster’s director of comedy,  Jon Petrie.

He said: ‘The Reluctant Vampire is exactly the kind of distinctive comedy we're passionate about at the BBC. Rob and Neil Gibbons have brilliantly adapted Eric Morecambe's work into a sharp, character-driven sitcom that delivers both big laughs and genuine emotion. With the incredibly talented Lenny Rush in the lead role, we're confident this will become one of the standout comedies of the year."​​​​​​​​​​​​​'

And  Shane Allen, executive producer for Boffola Pictures, added: ‘This book was a childhood favourite and the stars aligned the day Lenny arrived on to the Am I Being Unreasonable? set. He is superb at playing the guy in a tight spot, his comic timing is second to none.'

Published: 21 May 2025