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Fry to star in Borrowers adaptation

21.06.11 | Katie Allen

Stephen Fry, Victoria Wood and Christopher Eccleston are to star in an adaptation of Mary Norton's classic children's novel The Borrowers this Christmas.

The 90-minute drama, penned by “Merlin" writer Ben Vanstone and produced by Working Title Television, will be directed by “This Is England"'s Tom Harper for BBC1.

The novel, published by Puffin Modern Classics, brings to life the world of the tiny “Borrowers" who live under the floorboards of human “beans". Teenager Arrietty Clock, played by Aisling Loftan, wants to explore outside their hidden family home while her parents Pod and Homily, played by Eccelston and Sharon Horgan, are terrified of the world outside.

Danny Cohen, controller BBC1, said: "'The Borrowers' will be part of a really special family Christmas on BBC1and with with its stellar line-up it is set to be a truly wonderful programme."

Victoria Wood is to star as human “bean" Grandma Driver, while Fry will play scientist Professor Mildeye who is determined to trap the Borrowers to prove they exist and resurrect his academic career.

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