David Copperfield is a two-part BBC television drama adaptation of Charles Dickens's 1850 novel of the same name, written by Adrian Hodges.

The production is the acting debut of Daniel Radcliffe, who later rose to stardom as the title character of the Harry Potter film series, where he collaborated with his David Copperfield co-stars Maggie Smith, Zoë Wanamaker, Imelda Staunton, Dawn French and Paul Whitehouse.

[3] The original adaptation was written by John Sullivan, the writer of BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses, and would have emphasised the comic aspects of Dickens' novel.

[4] When Sullivan disagreed with the new direction and re-allocation of the adaptation to the BBC's drama department, he left the project, and Adrian Hodges' work was used instead.

Lyndhurst remained with this production to play Uriah Heep, and the role of Micawber was taken by Bob Hoskins.

Sullivan eventually moved to ITV, where in 2001 he produced a four-part series called Micawber, with Jason in the title role.

However, when the delivered child turns out to be a boy, Miss Trotwood is horrified (as her previous experiences with men have all ended badly) and storms out.

David's only comfort at the school is his friendship with James Steerforth, an older student from a wealthy family, who first defends him from a gang of bullies and then helps him win the respect of other pupils.

David returns home for the holidays and finds that Murdstone has fathered a baby boy with Clara.

During his time there he lodges with Miss Trotwood's friend, Mr Wickfield, whose daughter Agnes is of a similar age to David.

On returning home that evening, David finds Mr Dick and Miss Trotwood on his doorstep, declaring that she is ruined.

David, unwilling to give up Dora, tries once again to convince Mr Spenlow of his worthiness, but later discovers him dead from a heart attack.

David visits Yarmouth again after he receives a letter from Peggotty, informing him that Barkis's health is deteriorating and that he will die soon.

Ham then tells David that Emily has run off with Steerforth, who has been lodging somewhere in the area and visiting her in secret.

Emily begs David to take a letter of apology to Ham, but on his arrival at Yarmouth the town is deserted, because a fierce storm is raging and a ship is in peril.

Back in Canterbury, Micawber reveals that he has uncovered Heep's villainous scheme which has ruined both Mr Wickfield and Betsey Trotwood.

He brings news that Emily has made a full recovery and that Micawber has established himself as a successful magistrate and bank manager.