Sky1 adapts his children's novel

Here’s the first look at David Walliams as evil burger van owner Burt in the new TV adaptation of his children’s novel Ratburger.

The comic stars alongside Sheridan Smith – who plays the villanous stepmother – in the show, which will air on Sky One this Christmas.

Ratburger is about a young girl called Zoe, played by Talia Barnett, whose dad (Mark Benton) is never around. When Zoe discovers a baby rat in her bedroom, she names him Armitage and they become friends , especially when she discovers he can dance. 

Zoe wants to show off her rodent pal’s skills at the school talent show, but her stepmother and shifty burger man Burt have other ideas…

Sky’s head of comedy, Jon Mountague, called the story ‘hilarious, gruesome and warm-hearted in equal measure’.

The comedy – originally announced in February – also stars Nigel Planer as the headmaster, and Ben Bailey Smith – aka comedian and rapper Doc Brown –  as celebrity chef Charlie Jacobs. 

Walliams wrote the adaptation with his usual collaborator  Kevin Cecil, and it is being directed by Little Britain and Psychoville’s Matt Lipsey.

Another Walliams bestseller, Grandpa’s Great Escape, will be adapted for for BBC One this Christmas, starring the author alongside Jennifer Saunders and Tom Courtenay.

Published: 18 Oct 2017