‘The Larkins’ first look: Bradley Walsh stars in ‘Darling Buds of May’ remake

ITV has released the first official photo from the new version of The Darling Buds of May.

The classic TV series, which ran for three seasons in the early 1990s, is being brought back by The Durrells creator Simon Nye.

The Larkins is a brand new six-part comedy-drama based on the original novels by H.E. Bates.

Set in the late 1950’s, The Larkins will tell the story of a working-class family led by the golden-hearted wheeler dealer Pop Larkin and his wife Ma, together with their six children, including the beautiful Mariette.

Bradley Walsh (Doctor Who, Law & Order: UK) and Joanna Scanlan (Notes on a Scandal) were revealed as the new Pop and Ma last year.

They’ll be joined by Sabrina Bartlett from Bridgerton as Mariette Larkin, alongside Grantchester actor Tok Stephen as Cedric ‘Charley’ Charlton.

The cast also includes Peter Davison (All Creatures Great and Small) as the Vicar, Robert Bathurst (Downton Abbey) as Johnny Delamere, Tony Gardner (Last Tango in Halifax) as Alec Norman, and Amelia Bullmore (Gentleman Jack) as Miss Edith Pilchester.

Executive producer Ben Farrell previously commented: “I can’t think of a better time to be bringing them back to television. After the year we’ve all had it’s welcome pure escapism for a family audience.”

Here’s our first glimpse of Bradley Walsh and Joanna Scanlan in costume in The Larkins:

The Larkins began filming a few months ago and the show will premiere this autumn on ITV in the UK.

A broadcaster in the US hasn’t yet been announced, but we assume it’ll air in 2022 on PBS, which was the American home of The Durrells.

The official synopsis reads: “Fiercely loyal to each other and their community, each Larkin family member has a strong work ethic, alongside a disinterest in authority.

“In the idyllic and beautiful Kent countryside, known as the Garden of England, The Larkins have achieved a small patch of paradise where nothing is wasted and they enjoy life to the full.

“There’s an overwhelming sense of plenty in their lives and a lot of joy and raucous laughter, as Ma Larkin provides a seemingly endless supply of delicious, hearty meals. And no matter what time of day, The Larkins and their guests aren’t averse to enjoying the odd cocktail or two!”

The complete original The Darling Buds of May series is available on DVD on Amazon.