Based on an original book by David Walliams, Grandpa’s Great Escape tells the tale of Grandpa, a World War II flying ace, who now sadly suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and when his family can no longer look after him he is moved to an old people’s home called Twilight Towers, run by Miss Dandy.

It soon becomes clear Miss Dandy is running Twilight Towers for her own ulterior motives and it is up to Grandpa and grandson Jack to make a daring escape. Failure could have dire consequences but success will give Grandpa a chance to relive his past and take to the sky in his beloved Spitfire.

Grandpa will be played by Tom Courtenay (45 Years, Doctor Zhivago, The Dresser), his grandson Jack will be played by Kit Connor (Get Santa, Mr Holmes) and Miss Dandy will be played by Jennifer Saunders (French And Saunders, Absolutely Fabulous). Other characters include Jack’s mum Patricia who will be played by Samantha Spiro (Babs, Game Of Thrones) and Jack’s dad Barry who will be played by David Walliams (Little Britain, Britain’s Got Talent).

David Walliams says: “I am thrilled to be working with acting and comedy royalty on this adaptation of my book. I have loved Tom Courtenay forever and I still can't believe that I am working with him. He is the perfect Grandpa. And what a treat to be working with comedy genius Jennifer Saunders again.”

Shane Allen, Controller Comedy Commissioning says: “This heart-warming story about the close relationship between a boy and his grandfather continues the rich tradition of BBC One family pieces at Christmas by connecting young and older viewers together”.