Bradley Walsh will star in ITV's upcoming comedy drama 'The Larkins'.
Bradley Walsh
The 60-year-old actor will play Pop Larkin in the channel's new six part adaptation of H.E. Bates' novel 'The Darling Buds of May', while Joanna Scanlan will take on the role of his wife Ma.
Bradley said: “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 added: "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!”
The series has been written by Simon Nye - best known for the likes of 'The Durrells' and 'Men Behaving Badly' - with one episode penned by Abigail Wilson.
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.
The book and its sequels were last adapted three decades ago as 'The Darling Buds of May', and ITV is now set for a revival.
Screenwriter Simon commented: “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.”
ITV’s Head of Scripted Comedy Nana Hughes added: “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.”
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