Mackenzie Crook to return as Worzel Gummidge

Thursday 11th June 2020, 1:15pm

Family comedy Worzel Gummidge is to return to BBC One for new episodes
The programme stars Mackenzie Crook, who also writes, directs and produces
Two episodes were broadcast at Christmas 2019, with more to be made this Summer

8th September update: The BBC has announced one new episode, titled Saucy Nancy. Full details

Mackenzie Crook's Worzel Gummidge is to return to television.

British Comedy Guide can confirm that BBC One has ordered more episodes from writer, star, producer and director Crook, but that filming scheduled to take place this Spring/Summer has been delayed amidst the coronavirus lockdown.

The comedy drama debuted at Christmas 2019 with two special episodes introducing the literary character to a new generation of viewers.

Producers Treasure Trove Productions, Lola Entertainment and Leopard Pictures hope to begin filming later in the Summer. It is likely to air on BBC One over the Winter.

Neither the BBC nor representatives of the production companies have yet responded to BCG's request for comment.

Created by author Barbara Euphan Todd, Gummidge first appeared in print in 1936, but is best known for a hugely popular childrens' sitcom made by Southern for the ITV network from 1979.

Starring Jon Pertwee, four hit series were produced to 1981, before two revived series saw Worzel and his beloved Aunt Sally (Una Stubbs) move to New Zealand on Channel 4, 1987 - 1989.

Crook's new BBC take on the stories goes back to Todd's original source material for inspiration, rather than being directly influenced by the Southern scripts of acclaimed writers Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall.

The new episodes broadcast at Christmas saw Worzel befriend children Susan (India Brown) and John (Thierry Wickens), new to the countryside from a foster home and taking up residence at the farm of Mr and Mrs Braithwaite (Steve Pemberton and Rosie Cavaliero).

The stories imagine a world in which scarecrows of all varieties are able to come to life - and create much mischief - when humans aren't looking. Crook's new family-friendly take also includes subtle messaging as to the importance of nature and the environment.

Both a complete DVD box set of the hit 1980s series, and a DVD/Blu-ray release of the new specials, are available to buy.

Worzel Gummidge - The Complete Collection

Worzel Gummidge Series 1-4 & Christmas Special

Worzel Gummidge (Jon Pertwee) is a walking, talking scarecrow that lives on Scatterbrook Farm, where he stands in Ten Acre field. He was made by The Crowman and he is able to convince other people that he is human. Worzel has a collection of different heads for his different moods and he lives with his Aunt Sally (Una Stubbs), a giant doll, also able to pass as a real person. Worzel befriended children John and Susan Peters who came to stay during the holidays on the Braithwaites' farm. Worzel lands John and Susan in trouble when he is being mischievous, as he goes into a sulk and becomes a normal lifeless scarecrow. This lead others to blame the two children for all the trouble Worzel causes. Worzel Gummidge originally appeared in a series of books by Barbara Euphan Todd. The comedy ran for 4 series on ITV between 1979 and 1981 and immediately became a cult classic.

Worzel Gummidge Down Under Series 1 & 2

Worzel and Aunt Sally continue their comic adventures in New Zealand. Aunt Sally ends up on display in an antiques shop in England. She is bought by a folk museum curator from New Zealand and she is sent down there to appear as an exhibit. Worzel pursues her as an aeroplane stowaway, where he has to avoid the clutches of the evil travelling scarecrow-maker. This show ran for a further two series totalling another 22 episodes, with the first series being written by the original writers Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall. The show also gave Peter Jackson (Lord Of The Rings) his first ever film job, doing the special effects!

First released: Monday 25th November 2019

DVD

Distributor: Fabulous Films
Region: 2
Discs: 9
Minutes: 1,371
Catalogue: FHED3956

Buy and sell old and new items
Search for this product on eBay

BCG may earn commission on sales generated through the links above.

Worzel Gummidge

The brand new BBC adventures of Worzel Gummidge.

Inspired by the classic books of Barbara Euphan Todd, Worzel Gummidge is the treasured tale of a witty, mischievous scarecrow who mysteriously comes to life. Now reimagined for a modern audience and with CGI technology bringing the characters back to the screens, Worzel Gummidge is a comedic, magical fantasy for all ages.

Written by and starring the multi BAFTA Award-winning Mackenzie Crook (The Office, Detectorists), Gummidge returns for two new adventures, The Scarecrow Of Scatterbrook and The Green Man. The series is a timely and revealing examination through humour of how everybody needs a place to call home... including scarecrows.

Starring Mackenzie Crook, Michael Palin, Rosie Cavaliero, Steve Pemberton, Thierry Wickens, Vicki Pepperdine & Zoe Wanamaker.

First released: Monday 6th April 2020