David Copperfield is a BBC television serial starring Ian McKellen in the title role of the adaptation of Charles Dickens's 1850 novel that began airing in January 1966. It also featured Tina Packer as Dora Flora Robson as Betsey Trotwood, Gordon Gostelow as Barkis, and Christopher Guard as young David. The screenplay adaptation was written by Vincent Tilsley, who had previously helmed the 1956 adaptation almost a decade prior.It had a viewership of over 12 million for its initial airings. Only four of the serial's thirteen episodes (3, 8, 9 and 11) are known to exist. It is said to be remarkably similar to the 1956 adaptation that preceded it, although that version is now completely lost.