Jk Rowling’s Harry Potter novels were not only a sensation in their own right but their film adaptations also created a stir in the movie world. Now, it seems that her first novel for adults – The Casual Vacancy - is headed for the small screen, as the BBC have inked a deal to have the novel dramatised for television.

According to the BBC, Rowling will “collaborate closely” on the adaptation, which is expected to hit the UK’s TV screens in 2014. Rowling is said to be “thrilled” that the adaptation has been commissioned. “I always felt that, if it were to be adapted, this novel was best suited to television and I think the BBC is the perfect home,” said the bestselling author. The BBC’s Danny Cohen also commented “[Her] story-telling is of course peerless in its popularity, and I am looking forward to collaborating with her.” Rick Senat will executive produce the programme, which will be an independent production for BBC One. The adaptation will be a series, as opposed to a one-off, though the number of episodes and the length of the episodes has yet to be decided.

The novel itself sold 125,000 copies in its first week, making it the fastest-selling hardback in the UK for three years. The book is set in a small town community in the West Country and focuses on a death, which shocks the community.