David Walliams is to star in a BBC1 adaptation of his children's novel Mr Stink.

The story of a schoolgirl who befriends a homeless man and hides him in her family's garden shed, Mr Stink has sold 250,000 copies and was shortlisted for the Blue Peter best book of the decade award.

BBC1 controller Danny Cohen described the family comedy drama as a "heart-warming, nose-clenching and funny tale which will appeal to viewers of all ages".

The book, first published in 2009 and illustrated by Quentin Blake, has been adapted for the small screen by Walliams, who said: "I am beyond thrilled that BBC1 is adapting my children's book Mr Stink into a family film. I have written the script and can't wait to see actors bring it to life."

Mr Stink has already been adapted for the stage.

Walliams will play the prime minister in the 60-minute film.

The TV adaptation was commissioned by Cohen and Cheryl Taylor, the BBC's controller of comedy commissioning.

It will be executive produced by Mark Freeland, head of BBC Comedy, and is being made in-house at the BBC in association with Walliams and his company DEW Productions.

Walliams, who has starred in BBC1's Little Britain and Come Fly With Me alongside Matt Lucas, has written several children's books, including The Boy in the Dress, Billionaire Boy and Gangsta Granny.

One young Guardian reviewer said Mr Stink was "really interesting and fascinating".

Freeland said: "I am delighted that the BBC is continuing its relationship with the multi-talented David Walliams. Mr Stink has become an instant classic and it's so exciting to see it come to life on TV."

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