White Van Man Drives to the US

US television network ABC has given a "cast-contingent" pilot order for a sitcom based on the BBC Three series White Van Man, it has been confirmed.

Written by acclaimed standup comedian (and sometimes actor) Adrian Poynton, White Van Man follows the antics of a reluctant handyman, Ollie Curry, who is forced to take up the small family business when his father suffers a heart attack.

Whilst transmission of the second UK series of White Van Man is due in February 2012 (written by Adrian Poynton), the US adaptation for the Disney-owned ABC network has been written by Bobby Bowman, whose writing and producing credits include My Name Is Earl, Family Guy and Raising Hope.

Interviewed by the British Comedy Guide, writer and creator Adrian Poynton said:

It's all a bit silly really. I was overjoyed just to get the UK series away (let alone series two), but the fact some people in Hollywood have seen it and want to do a US remake is just mind boggling.

These things are so hard to get right but I have total faith in the American team. They've worked and succeeded on a collection of shows I really like and feel honoured to even have my little show on their radar. I'm also very happy with the level of input they want from me.

They have a really interesting take on the show and I'm very excited to see it grow and become its own beast. Who knows how far it will go.

ITV Studios America CEO Paul Buccieri said in a statement:

White Van Man has a great following in the U.K. and is a universal story, one that translates very well across countries and cultures. There is humor and drama and tremendous potential for this series in the U.S. and we are thrilled that we have Bobby's brilliance, and the pedigree of the Mark Gordon Co. behind the project.

The second series of the original BBC Three show, which stars Will Mellor, Joel Fry, Georgia Moffett and Clive Mantle, will broadcast in February 2012.

The first series premiered in March 2011, gaining an average audience of 750,000 viewers, and was swiftly recommissioned by new channel boss Zai Bennett.