Bradley Walsh reveals he’s ‘thrilled’ to be replacing David Jason in The Darling Buds of May reboot

‘It’ll be a hoot!’ Bradley Walsh reveals he’s ‘thrilled’ to be replacing David Jason in a new adaptation of The Darling Buds of May

Bradley Walsh has told how ‘thrilled’ he is to be replacing Sir David Jason in a reboot of The Darling Buds of May.

The popular Nineties family drama starred The Only Fools and Horses legend, 80, as Pop Larkin, with Bradley, 60, set to take over the character in a brand new adaptation.

The Chase host revealed he cannot wait to get started on filming for the series, which is also set to star Joanna Scanlon as Pop’s wife Ma Larkin.

Over the moon: Bradley Walsh has told how ‘thrilled’ he is to be replacing Sir David Jason in a reboot of The Darling Buds of May

The Darling Buds of May, based on HE Bates’ novels, was first adapted into an ITV series 30 years ago, and starred David as Pop and Pam Ferris as his wife Ma.

The show, which ran for three series between 1991 and 1993, was responsible for launching the career of Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, who portrayed Pop’s daughter Mariette.

Speaking of his casting, Bradley said in a statement: ‘I’m thrilled to be asked to be part of this much-loved and iconic series of stories.’

Big shoes to fill: The Nineties family drama starred The Only Fools and Horses legend, 80, as Pop Larkin (pictured), with Bradley, 60, set to take over the character in a new adaptation

Big shoes to fill: The Nineties family drama starred The Only Fools and Horses legend, 80, as Pop Larkin (pictured), with Bradley, 60, set to take over the character in a new adaptation

He continued: ‘The warmth and affection that HE 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!’

Meanwhile, No Offence actress Joanna said of the new show: ‘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!’ 

Can't wait: Speaking of his casting, Bradley said in a statement: 'I’m thrilled to be asked to be part of this much-loved and iconic series of stories'

Can’t wait: Speaking of his casting, Bradley said in a statement: ‘I’m thrilled to be asked to be part of this much-loved and iconic series of stories’

Family favourite: The Darling Buds of May, based on HE Bates' novels, was first adapted into an ITV series 30 years ago, and starred David as Pop and Pam Ferris as his wife Ma

Family favourite: The Darling Buds of May, based on HE Bates’ novels, was first adapted into an ITV series 30 years ago, and starred David as Pop and Pam Ferris as his wife Ma

The new six-part series, penned by The Durrells writer Simon Nye, was due to begin filming this year, but production was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Filming on the show, which is called The Larkins, is to now set to begin next summer, and will likely air in autumn or perhaps in early 2022. 

There is currently no news on who is set to play the rest of the Larkins family.

Big star: The show, which ran for three series between 1991 and 1993, was responsible for launching the career of Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, who portrayed Pop's daughter Mariette

Big star: The show, which ran for three series between 1991 and 1993, was responsible for launching the career of Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, who portrayed Pop’s daughter Mariette

New role: Meanwhile, No Offence actress Joanna said of the new show: 'What better comfort could there be from all we have endured this year than the rolling laughter and outsize hugs of Ma and Pop?'

New role: Meanwhile, No Offence actress Joanna said of the new show: ‘What better comfort could there be from all we have endured this year than the rolling laughter and outsize hugs of Ma and Pop?’

Pop Larkin actor David introduced his catchphrase ‘Perfick’ on the show, which was set in 50s, and followed him and his wife Ma and their children in all their antics in the Kent countryside. 

ITV bosses are said to be keen on capturing the ‘warmth, optimism and escapism of the family for a modern generation’, while writer Simon added that he plans on ‘expanding the Larkins’ world a little’.

He added: ‘The novels are short, hilarious and magical. We can’t wait to immerse ourselves in this glorious countryside idyll.’ 

Original: Pop Larkin actor David introduced his catchphrase 'Perfick' on the show, which was set in 50s, and followed him and his wife Ma and their children in all their antics in the Kent countryside

Original: Pop Larkin actor David introduced his catchphrase ‘Perfick’ on the show, which was set in 50s, and followed him and his wife Ma and their children in all their antics in the Kent countryside