BBC announces new family comedy special Dexter Procter: the 10-Year-Old Doctor

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The BBC is lining up something a bit different for families this year with Dexter Procter: the 10-Year-Old Doctor, a new take on Adam Kay's hit children's book. The BAFTA-winning writer behind This is Going to Hurt has turned it into two comedy specials, each running fifty minutes, with the first due later in the year.

At the heart of it is Dexter, played by newcomer Cian Eagle-Service, who makes his TV debut as a boy genius who somehow managed to talk within seconds of being born and is now the youngest doctor in the world. He's bright, brave, and trying to save lives while also figuring out how to just be ten. Not an easy balance.

There's plenty stacked against him too, not least Dr Drake, played by Peter Serafinowicz, who can't stand the idea of working alongside a child and spends most of his time plotting Dexter's downfall. The rest of the cast is a mix of old favourites and fresh faces: Jameela Jamil turns up as Miss Melon, Mike Wozniak plays Dexter's dad, Konnie Huq is Ms Saeed, Harry Enfield takes on Morrison, and Sue Johnston plays Granny Bet. Filming took place in the Wirral.

Sarah Muller from BBC Children's and Education said the point of the show is to bring families together on the sofa. "Parents and kids can put down their separate screens to come together to watch Dexter," she said, promising "laugh out loud moments" for all ages.

Kay himself calls it a "semi-autobiographical" story, delivered with a wink, and says the young cast are comedy royalty in the making.

Supporting roles go to Aroop Shergill and Hugo McGinn as Dexter's best mates Rupi and Otto, Max Lester as Toby Tanner, Gemma Whelan as Mrs Procter, Michelle Gomez as Barbara Burnhall, Kieran Hodgson as Mr Kingsley, Ashley McGuire as Mrs Lake, Pippa Haywood as Dr Marigold, Jake Canuso as Pepe, and Michelle Greenidge as Ngozi.

Behind the camera, Kay is joined by James Kay producing for Terrible Productions, alongside Phil Clarke and Roberto Troni for Various Artists Ltd, with Amy Buscombe representing the BBC. The director is Matt Lipsey (Ted Lasso), Arabella McGuigan (Still Up) produces, and casting comes via Lauren Evans (Sex Education).

Dexter Procter: the 10-Year-Old Doctor will air on BBC One, CBBC and iPlayer later this year, with more to follow in 2026.