BBC Children's and Education has confirmed the hit book series Crookhaven will be adapted for TV.
Written by J.J. Arcanjo, teen coming-of-age drama Crookhaven follows 13-year-old pickpocket Gabriel, who, after finally being caught stealing, is invited by the mysterious Caspian Crook to attend Crookhaven, a school for thieves.
Justin Young is attached to the project, known for his work on Ripper Street, Sanditon, and Death in Paradise.
Filming will begin in Northern Ireland this summer, with Crookhaven set to premiere on BBC iPlayer in early 2026.
A synopsis reads: "The thrilling family adventure series is set at mysterious Crookhaven School where high achieving young crooks from across the world are secretly selected to hone their skills in disciplines such as Deception, Crimnastics, Forgery and Infiltration, learning how to use their skills for good and to do what is right in their own way.
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"Centred around pickpocketing genius Gabriel and his archrival, headmaster’s daughter Penelope, the series follows a group of eight very different, young international students as they compete for the coveted Crooked Cup.
"In a school where every teacher is a crook and traitors lurk around every corner, no one is entirely who they seem to be as the gang uncover the dark secrets that link Penelope’s missing mother with Gabriel’s own mysterious past and confront a terrifying enemy - The Nameless."
Speaking about the upcoming TV series, Arcanjo said BBC Children's and Education has created a "fun family show filled with humour, heart, and plenty of clever twists".
"I have always aimed to excite and inspire the young readers who pick up my books, but also the parents and grandparents who journey with them to my worlds, and the TV series aligns perfectly with that," he said in a statement.
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"Together with BBC Children’s and Education, we have created a fun family show filled with humour, heart, and plenty of clever twists. I cannot wait for Gabriel Avery and his crew of kind-hearted crooks to be brought to life and introduced to TV audiences around the world."
Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s and Education, added: "Crookhaven is a thrilling mystery series which will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
"Whilst it’s quintessentially British and targeting UK families, we know this homegrown drama is sure to be enjoyed by international audiences as we bring the best of UK creativity and BBC drama for children and families around the world."
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