David Copperfield is a BBC television serial starring Ian McKellen in the title role of the adaptation of Charles Dickens's 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. It had a viewership of over 12 million for its initial airings. Only four episodes of the serial's 13 episodes are known to exist.