Rowling’s Casual Vacancy set for BBC mini-series

JK Rowling’s first adult novel, The Casual Vacancy, is to be screened by the BBC in a three-hour mini-series.

The Casual Vacancy will be turned into a mini-series. Picture: Leon McGowran

The programmes will be produced in collaboration with American cable channel HBO, famed for shows such as Sex and the City.

HBO is owned by Time Warner, the firm at the helm for the eight Harry Potter films.

Despite being aimed at an adult demographic, it is hoped that the mini-series may appeal to Harry Potter readers reaching their 20s and 30s.

Sarah Phelps has written the TV adaptation of the book, which follows an unexpected death in a small town community in the West Country.

Filming of the three one-hour episodes will start in south west England this summer.

Rowling has previously said that the novel would be best suited to a television adaptation, and will executive produce the mini-series. It is believed Paul Trijbits (Saving Mr Banks, Dancing on the Edge) will also be involved on the production team.

The Casual Vacancy, which has sold over six million copies worldwide, takes place in Pagford, an apparently idyll and tranquil town hiding a number of battles between its inhabitants.

The rich are battling the poor; teens are at war with their parents, wives and husbands are at loggerheads and teachers are taking on the students.

It sold 125,000 copies in its first week - the fast-selling hardback in the UK for three years.