‘The Larkins’ premiere date confirmed: When does ‘Darling Buds of May’ remake start?
ITV has announced when the new version of The Darling Buds of May begins in the UK.
Based on the original novels by H.E. Bates, the upcoming six-part comedy-drama comes from the creator of The Durrells.
The original Darling Buds of May series ran for three seasons in the early 1990s.
Set in the late 1950’s, The Larkins follows the golden-hearted wheeler dealer Pop Larkin and his wife Ma, together with their six children, including the beautiful Mariette, as they bask in their idyllic and beautiful patch of paradise in Kent.
The cast is led by Bradley Walsh (Doctor Who, Law & Order: UK) and Joanna Scanlan (Notes on a Scandal) as the new Pop and Ma.
They’re joined by Bridgerton actress Sabrina Bartlett as Mariette Larkin, the part originally played by Catherine Zeta-Jones, alongside Tok Stephen (Grantchester) as Cedric ‘Charley’ Charlton.
Also appearing are 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.
The Larkins will premiere in the UK at 8pm on Sunday 10th October on ITV.
Watch an introduction to the characters:
The official synopsis reads: “Fiercely loyal to each other and their community, there’s an overwhelming sense of plenty in their lives and a lot of joy and raucous laughter. With an endless supply of delicious, hearty meals alongside the odd cocktail or two, the Larkins are always happy to share what they have with others, despite the fact that what they have is sometimes obtained by unusual means!
“Sadly their good heartedness is not always shared by certain members of the local community and village gossip (particularly from the Normans) about Pop and his family is often rife.
“From government officials and snobbish second homeowners to aggressive urban developers, the Larkins never take threats to their idyllic way of life lying down but when Cedric ‘Charley’ Charlton arrives to inspect their taxes things are looking bleak for The Larkins.”
The synopsis continues: “Soon distracted by the beautiful Mariette, Charley quickly discovers that he has a romantic rival in the form of the handsome and mysterious Tom Fisher. Mariette, on the other hand, may have plans of her own, which don’t involve men.
“From May Day Fairs, to straw-man pram races and donkey derbies, there’s never a dull moment with The Larkins.”
We’re not yet sure who’ll be broadcasting The Larkins in the US, but we’ll let you know as soon as we find out.
The Durrells aired on PBS, so expect that will end up being the show’s American home.
The complete original The Darling Buds of May series is available on DVD on Amazon.