Darling Buds Of May adaptation The Larkins coming to ITV
- ITV is making a new version of The Darling Buds Of May, titled The Larkins
- Bradley Walsh and Joanna Scanlan will star as Pop Larkin and his wife, Ma
- Writer Simon Nye says: "We will be expanding the Larkins' world a little"
ITV has confirmed it has commissioned a new adaptation of H.E. Bates' novel, The Darling Buds Of May.
The new version - which will be titled The Larkins - was previously hinted at in 2019. The network has now confirmed it's ordered six episodes.
Bradley Walsh and Joanna Scanlan will star as Pop and his wife Ma in The Larkins.
The channel says: "The Larkins is a new television adaptation of H.E. Bates's novel The Darling Buds Of May, written by acclaimed screenwriter Simon Nye (Finding Alice, The Durrells, Men Behaving Badly) with the aim of capturing the warmth, optimism and escapism of the Larkin family for a modern generation.
"Set in the late 1950s, The Larkins is 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. Fiercely loyal to each other and their community, each Larkin family member has a strong work ethic, alongside a disinterest in authority."
Simon Nye says: "The novels are short, hilarious and magical. We will be expanding the Larkins' world a little and can't wait to immerse ourselves in this glorious countryside idyll."
Bradley Walsh, commenting on his casting as Pop Larkin, says: "I'm thrilled to be asked to be part of this much loved and iconic series of stories. The warmth and affection that H.E. Bates has generated through his books is so uplifting and I cannot wait to be part of the Larkin family. It'll be a hoot!"
Joanna Scanlan, talking about playing Ma, adds: "What better comfort could there be from all we have endured this year than the rolling laughter and outsize hugs of Ma and Pop? It's going to be an honour to help bring The Larkins to the nation's devices!"
Nana Hughes from ITV says: "I am delighted to welcome back Ma and Pop from the pen of Simon Nye. The Kent countryside will be filled with laughs, wheeling and dealing, and the added charm of Bradley Walsh and Joanna Scanlan."
The Darling Buds Of May - starring David Jason, Pam Ferris, Philip Franks and Catherine Zeta-Jones - became a bit hit between 1991 and 1993. Running for three series, it became one of ITV's all time highest rated television comedy dramas.
Talking further about the plot of the new version, ITV says: "In the idyllic and beautiful Kent countryside, known as the Garden of England, The Larkins have a 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 Larkins are fundamentally good-hearted people who are always happy to share what they have with others, despite the fact that what they have is sometimes obtained by unusual means! In a rather mean-spirited way their good heartedness is not always shared by certain members of the local community.
"From government officials and snobbish second homeowners to aggressive urban developers, the Larkins often deal with threats to their idyllic way of life - but they never take things lying down.
"Alongside their weekly battles with authority and snobbish villagers, The Larkins will follow the love story between Mariette and village newcomer Cedric 'Charley' Charlton. Charley arrives in the village as an unworldly and officious accountant from the city, there to investigate the Larkins' tax affairs.
"He is soon distracted by the beautiful Mariette, with whom he falls head over heels in love. However, he 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."
Ben Farrell from co-producers Objective Fiction says: "I've loved the Larkins novels for many years and 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."
The series is set to be filmed in 2021. News of further casting will be advised nearer to the time.