TV series for 'adult' Famous Five

The Famous Five books have never been out of print

The Famous Five, Enid Blyton's literary childhood sleuths, are set to be "reimagined" as middle-aged grown-ups in a new TV drama for adults.

Julian, Dick, Anne, George - with a descendant of the original Timmy the dog - will be reunited 30 years after their original exploits.

The series is being developed by Blyton rights holder Chorion and production company Twofour.

Blyton wrote the Famous Five books between 1942 and 1963.

In the television series, the characters will be in their forties and drawn together to solve complex contemporary mysteries.

It is hoped it will appeal to people who grew up reading the Five's adventures.

'Fascinating'

A new Famous Five animated TV series, chronicling the Kirrin Island kids in a 21st century setting, is also currently in co-production with Disney.

It is set to be broadcast on Disney Channel in the UK in the spring of 2008.

Chorion owns and manages the copyright for Enid Blyton's work, and is also the long-time producer of ITV's Marple and Poirot series.

Phil Clymer, Chorion's director of TV and film, said: "The Famous Five obviously have an appeal that crosses generations.

"We thought, in addition to the new dynamic animated TV approach for the core audience of kids, that it would be a fascinating exercise to look at what might happen to the characters when they arrive at middle-age."

Twofour's head of drama Jo Wright added: "We felt that the idea of a grown-up Famous Five would appeal to many generations of readers in Britain and Europe.

"The characters will be looking back to a simpler time when their lives were stress-free and more enjoyable."