South east London in the 1970s is set to be recreated on the small screen next month as Deptford-born comedy writer, journalist and DJ Danny Baker’s life is turned into a BBC TV series.

Cradle to the Grave is an upbeat comedy based on actual events and characters in Danny’s life.

Set in 1974, 15-year-old Danny - who in real life had just left West Greenwich Secondary Boys’ School in Deptford – is our guide through the ups and downs of life with the Baker family.

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His docker dad Fred, known to all as Spud, is played by Peter Kay while mum Bet is played by Croydon’s EastEnders actress Lucy Speed.

On working on the show, Lucy said: “I am so chuffed. I’ve been a huge fan of Danny’s for many years and (co-writer Jeff Pope)’s back catalogue is amazing.

“I have seen all his work. I couldn’t quite believe the two of them had come together for this, as it is such a dream team. And then to add Peter Kay in the mix is mind blowing.”

Laurie Kynaston plays the young Danny.

Writer Jeff Pope, who worked with Danny on the series, explained the explained the roots for the series came from when he first met Danny Baker in 1983.

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He said: “We were working together on a TV magazine show, he as presenter, I as a young researcher - and we hit it off immediately.

“More importantly, shortly afterwards I met his dad Fred Baker, known to all and sundry as 'Spud', and that was it.

“I realised recently that ever since I had sub-consciously been shaping 'Cradle To Grave' in my mind, never realising that one day the stars would align and Danny and I would actually get to make it.

“Throughout my career true stories have fascinated me, and this is the strength of this series - it is all based on actual events, stories that have got better and better in the telling over the years.

“'Spud' is now long gone, but there were times when we were writing that I could swear Danny was 'channelling' his late father, so clear was his voice as we shaped scenes.

“Sometimes we felt more like guides than writers as the episodes more or less told themselves. And now that we've finished we just hope you find this romp through Spud's life as funny and fulfilling as we have found it.”

Cradle to Grave is on from 9pm on Thursday, September 3 on BBC2.