ITV has (finally) confirmed Bradley Walsh will play Pop Larkin in its Darling Bds of May remake

It’s been widely ‘known’ Bradley Walsh would be leaving Doctor Who to play Pop Larkin in an ITV remake of The Darling Buds of May. Some six months or so later, it’s finally been officially announced; HE Bates’s novel has been adapted anew by Simon Nye (Finding Alice, The Durrells, Men Behaving Badly). It will be a six part comedy drama series, The Larkins, starring Bradley Walsh and Joanna Scanlan as the iconic fictional characters, Pop Larkin and his wife Ma.

The book and its sequels were last adapted 30 years ago as The Darling Buds of May and became one of ITV’s all time highest rated television comedy dramas winning critical acclaim and audience approval. It starred David Jason and Pam Ferris in the central roles, with the then unknown Catherine Zeta Jones as their daughter Mariette. It was set in 1950s rural England and became a staple of Sunday evenings.

Commented Bradley Walsh on his casting as Pop Larkin:

“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!”

Much like the previous adaptation, we are promised Kent countryside, cocktails and a love affair between Mariette and young tax inspector Cedric ‘Charley’ Charlton. No news, yet, on the full casting or when it will be broadcast.

The full press release can be found here.