Books inspire new television dramas

Jacqueline Wilson's Katy and Joanne Nadin's Joe All Alone are among the books that will be serialised by CBBC next year in a move to drive up the amount of original children's television being produced in the UK.

The BBC is now the main provider of original children's content on television, following plummeting children's commissioning by Channel 4, ITV and Channel 5 - largely in response to restrictions on advertising to children. Other dramas to look out for on CBBC will include a second season of The Worst Witch inspired by Jill Murphy's books, a new run of Hetty Feather based on Jacqueline Wilson's bestselling series, and a two-season commission and exclusive online dramas for The Dumping Ground. Katy, which will be screened across three episodes, is adapted from a Dame Jacqueline Wilson novel and features a lively, strong-willed and impulsive heroine struggling to adjust to life in a new blended family, before an accident leaves her in hospital with a spinal injury. Joe All Alone, which will be shown across four episodes, is adapted from Joanna Nadin's book and is the powerful and moving story of a boy who manages to find optimism, adventure and friendship in the most deprived circumstances. Steven Andrew, executive producer of Joe All Alone, said: "I am delighted that CBBC have decided to commission this compelling and important story, Joe All Alone. Joe is an engaging and resilient 13-year-old boy whom, despite his circumstances, never stops believing that life can be better. His story is powerful and moving, but, sadly not unique. This commission allows us to shine a light on those children who really deserve better."