Sir Lenny Henry’s production company, Douglas Road Productions, has acquired the broadcast­­ rights to the novel which follows the story of nine-year-old Leon discovering a new family where he leasts expects it.

Told from Leon's point of view, My Name is Leon is a story of love, identity and loss, seeing the process of foster care and adult decisions through the eyes of a child in 1980s Britain.

“When I heard Lenny Henry was doing the audiobook, I crept into the recording studio to listen. He wasn’t only pitch perfect but I realised just from the way he spoke that he got it, he understood what was going on for Leon," said author Kit de Waal.

"So when he told me he was interested in bringing Leon to the screen I was absolutely delighted. There is no-one better to bring Leon to life.”

Henry wanted to retell Leon's story for the screen after recording for the audiobook, reasoning that “there are so many young people out there that need their voice to be heard – perhaps Leon’s story will give them the courage to speak.”

Barbara Emile, Creative Director of Douglas Road Productions, said, “Kit is an exciting new writing talent, bringing a unique insight to the type of diverse drama that defines the ambition of Douglas Road Productions.”