A new ITV adaptation of H. E. Bates’s 1958 novel stars Bradley Walsh and his son Barney, as well as Joanna Scanlan and Peter Davison.
He’s mastered time travel and beating the Chasers, now Bradley Walsh is about to showcase his latest project, a six-part comedy drama called The Larkins.
If that name sounds familiar you might be thinking of the characters in The Darling Buds of May, a classic ’90s TV show starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Pam Ferris and David Jason. The Larkins takes the same family and breathes new life into them for a modern audience.
Set in 1950s Kent and following the rural life of a working class family, the show stars Walsh (alongside his son Barney Walsh), Joanna Scanlan and Peter Davison, with lots of famous guest stars popping up along the way.
Read on for everything you need to know.
When is The Larkins on TV?
ITV has now confirmed a release date for the six-part series.
Episode one of The Larkins will arrive on our screens on Sunday 10th October at 8pm and is expected to air every Sunday night for six weeks.
The Larkins cast: Who plays who?
Bradley Walsh plays Pop Larkin, taking on the role previously held by David Jason in the 1990s adaptation. When the casting was announced, Walsh said he was “thrilled” to be involved in the “much loved and iconic series of stories,” adding: “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!”
His wife Ma is played by The Thick of It star Joanna Scanlan, taking up the mantle from Pam Ferris. Scanlan said: “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!”
And it’s a real family affair as Bradley Walsh’s son Barney Walsh will play village policeman PC Harness.
Lovers Charley and Mariette will be played by Tok Stephen and Bridgerton star Sabrina Bartlett (previously Philip Franks and Catherine Zeta-Jones) – and Bartlett described the series as the “perfect dose of escapism we all need right now.”
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Peter Davison has also joined the cast, playing the Vicar, while Robert Bathurst will play Johnny Delamere.
Further stars include Kriss Dosanjh (Brigadier), Amelia Bullmore (Miss Edith Pilchester), Seeta Indrani (Miss Chand), Stephen Hagan (Tom Fisher), Francesca Waterworth (Libby Fothergill), Tony Gardner (Alec Norman) and Selina Griffiths (Norma Norman).
Other members of the Larkin family are played by Lydia Page (Primrose Larkin), Liam Middleton (Montgomery Larkin), Lola Shepelev (Victoria Larkin), Davina Coleman (Zinnia Larkin) and Rosie Coleman (Petunia Larkin).
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The Larkins trailer
ITV has released an upbeat, sunny trailer, introducing the Larkin family and getting us in the mood for the series. Check it out below:
What is The Larkins about?
The series follows the Larkin family, good-hearted countryside folk who often get into scrapes with authority.
Pop Larkin, a wheeler-dealer, and his wife Ma have six children, and are determined to enjoy life to the fullest (especially when that means enjoying the odd daytime cocktail).
The central focus is the love story between Pop and Ma’s oldest daughter Mariette and village newcomer Cedric ‘Charley’ Charlton. Charley is in the village to investigate the family’s tax affairs, but is quickly distracted by his feelings for Mariette.
All is not smooth sailing, however, as Mariette has plans which don’t involve men, and is also pursued by handsome and mysterious Tom Fisher.
This adaptation is written by Simon Nye (of The Durrells and Finding Alice), “with the aim of capturing the warmth, optimism and escapism of The Larkin family for a modern generation”.
While you’re waiting to watch The Larkins, take a look at our other Drama coverage, or check out our TV guide to find out what’s on TV tonight.