Gangsta Granny tells the story of schoolboy Ben, who is bored beyond belief after he is made to stay at his grandma’s house; all she wants to do is stay in and play Scrabble and eat cabbage soup. What Ben doesn’t know about his grandma is that she was once an international jewel thief, and for her entire life, she has been plotting to steal the Crown Jewels. Now, she needs Ben’s help…
David Walliams says: “Gangsta Granny has proved to be the most popular of all my books. It is an adventure story about two unlikely thieves, Granny and her grandson, Ben. It should make for exciting family viewing at Christmas.”
Shane Allen, the Controller of BBC Comedy Commissioning said: “The story delivers on David’s penchant for being outrageously funny, yet poignant and tender as well. This will be a wonderful family viewing treat for this Christmas and we’re thrilled about seeing it make the journey from page to screen.”
Gangsta Granny is David Walliams' fourth children's book. It was first published in 2011 and has since sold 430,000 copies. David’s other children’s books include his debut, The Boy In The Dress, Billionaire Boy and Mr Stink. Gangsta Granny is currently number one in the Children’s book chart.
Gansta Granny will be produced by Jo Sargent and executive produced by Mark Freeland, Head of BBC In-House Comedy. It is a BBC Comedy Production in association with Bert Productions.
The 1x60-minute comedy drama will film later this year for a Christmas transmission, with casting to be announced in due course.