David Walliams will star in the adaptation of the gruesome Ratburger alongside Sheridan Smith (Gavin and Stacey) and Mark Benton (The Halcyon).

The story follows Zoe, a young girl who has a miserable time at the hands of her stepmother (played by Smith) and a bully named Tina Trotts.

She finds a baby rat in her bedroom that she names Armitage and he quickly becomes a firm friend. However Armitage is no ordinary rat; he’s a rat that can dance.

She sets out to show off Armitage's skills at the school talent show but her stepmother and shifty burger man Burt (Walliams) have other ideas, which include throwing Armitage into a mincer and putting rat burgers on the menu.

David Walliams said: “I am thrilled my book is coming to Sky and especially thrilled that I am playing the villain Burt."

Sky's Head of Comedy, Jon Mountague said: “Hilarious, gruesome and warm-hearted in equal measure, David’s book Ratburger is a terrific tale, with a fantastic cast. We jumped at the chance to bring the adventure, villainy and vermin to screens.” 

Nigel Planer (The Young Ones) and Ben Bailey Smith (Law and Order: UK) will also star in the show.