‘Bridgerton’ star joins new ‘Darling Buds of May’ remake ‘The Larkins’
ITV has announced two more cast members for the new version of The Darling Buds of May.
The Durrells creator Simon Nye is remaking the much-loved classic TV series, which ran from 1991 to 1993.
Based on the original novels by H.E. Bates, the brand new six-part comedy-drama is called The Larkins.
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.
It was previously revealed that Bradley Walsh (Doctor Who, Law & Order: UK) and Joanna Scanlan will lead the cast of the new series as Pop Larkin and his wife Ma.
Scanlan is best known for her roles in Girl With a Pearl Earring, Notes on a Scandal, Getting On, and The Thick of It.
The characters were originally played by David Jason (Only Fools and Horses) and Pam Ferris (Call the Midwife).
It’s now also been confirmed that Sabrina Bartlett will be playing Mariette Larkin in the new show.
The 29-year-old actress will be familiar to period drama fans, following her roles in Victoria, Da Vinci’s Demons, Poldark, Bridgerton, and Game of Thrones.
Mariette Larkin was played by Welsh star Catherine Zeta-Jones in The Darling Buds of May.
Sabrina Bartlett commented: “I am really REALLY excited to be taking on the role of Mariette Larkin in this new adaption of H.E. Bates’ novels.”
She added: “I can’t wait to bring these heart-warming stories to life alongside such a wonderful team. It’s just the perfect dose of escapism we all need right now.”
The character of Cedric ‘Charley’ Charlton will be played by Tok Stephen.
He’s previously appeared in Grantchester and Holby City.
Stephen said: “I am thrilled to be cast as Charley in such a beloved and wonderful show. I can’t wait to work alongside Joanna, Bradley and Sabrina. I’m incredibly excited. I hope we can impress fans of the original novels with our version.”
The Larkins is set to begin filming soon and it’s expected to premiere on ITV in the UK this autumn.
A broadcaster in the US hasn’t been confirmed yet.
The Durrells ended in 2019, but there have been rumours about a follow-up series set back in England!
The complete original The Darling Buds of May series is available on DVD on Amazon.