The Reluctant Vampire
2026 British television series
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The Reluctant Vampire is an upcoming six-part British television series adaptation of the children’s novel of the same name written by Eric Morecambe (1982). It will star Lenny Rush. The adaptation is written by Neil and Rob Gibbons. The first episode will be broadcast on 4 October 2026 on BBC One, with all episodes available that day on BBC iPlayer.
Rob Gibbons
| The Reluctant Vampire | |
|---|---|
| Based on | The Reluctant Vampire by Eric Morecambe |
| Written by | Neil Gibbons Rob Gibbons |
| Starring | |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| No. of series | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 6 |
| Production | |
| Running time | 30 minutes[1] |
| Production company |
|
| Original release | |
| Network | BBC One |
Premise
Cast
- Lenny Rush as Val
- Tom Davis as Victor
- Sian Clifford as Valeeta
- Gabriel Nagy as Vernon
- Charlie Cooper as John
- Asim Chaudhry as Igon
- Joe Wilkinson as Wilf
- Kiell Smith-Bynoe
- Esther Smith as Susan
- Bill Bailey as Gargoyle
- Ray Fearon
- Ellie May Sheridan as Gertie
- Ross Noble as Gargoyle
Production
The six-part series is adapted by Rob and Neil Gibbons from the 1982 novel of the same name by Eric Morecambe. The series is produced by Boffola Pictures and was commissioned by the BBC in 2023.[3] In May 2025, the series was announced as part of the BBC's upcoming comedy production slate.[4]
The cast is led by Lenny Rush.[5] In October 2025, Rush was joined in the cast by Tom Davis, Sian Clifford, Charlie Cooper, Asim Chaudhry, Joe Wilkinson, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Esther Smith, Bill Bailey, Ray Fearon, Ellie May Sheridan, Ross Noble and Gabriel Nagy.[6]
Filming commenced on the series in November 2025 and continued into December.[7][8][9]
Broadcast
The first episode will broadcast on 4 October 2026 on BBC One, with all episodes available that day on BBC iPlayer.[10]