Filming starts on CBBC's Hank Zipzer with Henry Winkler

Filming has started on CBBC’s brand-new comedy drama series, Hank Zipzer, featuring multi-award winning actor Henry ‘The Fonz’ Winkler.

The series, which is currently filming in Halifax, stars Henry Winkler as music teacher Mr Rock, (Henry’s real life music teacher), alongside newcomer Nicholas James who plays the role of Hank Zipzer.

Felicity Montagu (I’m Alan Partridge, Nighty Night, Bridget Jones Diary) has been cast as Hank’s teacher Ms Adolf, Juliet Cowan (The Revolting World of Stanley Brown, The Bill, Shameless) as his mum Rosa, and Neil Fitzmaurice (Peep Show, Mount Pleasant, Waterloo Road) as his dad. The show also stars Vincenzo Nicoli (Black Books, The Knot, EastEnders) as Papa Pete and Nick Mohammed (Sorry I’ve Got No Head, Reggie Perrin, Drifters) as head teacher Mr Love.

Inspired by the 18 'Hank Zipzer: The World’s Greatest Underachiever' novels, written by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver and published by Walker Books, the 13x30-minute children’s show will air on CBBC early in 2014.

Funny and fast-moving, the series follows the life of 12-year-old Henry ‘Hank’ Zipzer, whose glass is half full - he just spills it everywhere…

It is based on Henry Winkler’s own experiences as a young boy growing up with dyslexia.

Hank is a very smart boy whose imagination has a great personality, allowing him to see the world in a very different way to those around him. The way his brain works means he doesn't always see eye-to-eye with everyone else, particularly his parents and teachers. But, despite often leaving a trail of humorous chaos behind him, Hank remains positive and convinced his next big plan will be the one to deliver… and it often does.

The programme is being made for CBBC by Kindle Entertainment, in association with Walker Productions, DHX Media and Screen Yorkshire, which is providing additional funding through its Yorkshire Content Fund.