American television network ABC is developing a sitcom based on the BBC Three series White Van Man, it has been confirmed.

Written by Adrian Poynton, who discusses the series' genesis in depth in episode 6 of our podcast, White Van Man follows a reluctant handyman, Ollie Curry, who is forced to take up the small family business when his father begins suffering with heart problems.

Whilst filming for the second series of ITV Studios-produced White Van Man is currently underway in Manchester, the US adaptation for the Disney-owned ABC network is to be written by Bobby Bowman, whose writing and producing credits include My Name Is Earl, Family Guy and Raising Hope.

Speaking to the British Comedy Guide, writer and creator Adrian Poynton said: "It's all a bit silly really. I was overjoyed just to get the UK series away (let alone series two), but the fact some people in Hollywood have seen it and want to do a US remake is just mind boggling.

"These things are so hard to get right but I have total faith in the American team. They've worked and succeeded on a collection of shows I really like and feel honoured to even have my little show on their radar. I'm also very happy with the level of input they want from me.

"They have a really interesting take on the show and I'm very excited to see it grow and become its own beast. Who knows how far it will go."

The second series of the original BBC Three show, which stars Will Mellor, Joel Fry and Clive Mantle, is expected to broadcast in early 2012. The first series premiered in March this year, gaining an average audience of 750,000 viewers, and was swiftly recommissioned by channel boss Zai Bennett.

The following video clip, from the third episode in the series, features Poynton - a stand-up comedian - as the policeman.