Bradley Walsh gave fans a glimpse of his take on the iconic character Pop Larkin as he filmed the eagerly anticipated The Darling Buds of May reboot on Thursday.
The Chase host, 60, was shooting scenes in Faversham, Kent, dressed in period-drama clothing and sporting fluffy sideburns, reminiscent of the kind-hearted wheeler-dealer played by David Jason in the 90s.
He was seen pacing along the high street, which had been given a 1950s makeover, while chatting on his phone between takes.
Star: Bradley Walsh gave fans a glimpse of his take on the iconic character Pop Larkin as he filmed the eagerly anticipated The Darling Buds of May on Thursday
Bradley looked dapper in a light blue shirt and red braces which he teamed with beige chinos and black shoes.
An eyewitness said: ‘Bradley was in Faversham for one day of shooting and he was very accommodating to all the crew, laughing and joking around with them.
‘He was clearly enjoying himself, really getting into the role.’The shops all had new boards put on them to give the street a 1950s feel – it was like going back in time.’
The Darling Buds of May remake, titled The Larkins, was confirmed last December but ITV have yet to confirm when the six-part series will air.
New role: The Chase host, 60, was shooting scenes in Faversham, Kent, dressed in period-drama clothing and sporting fluffy sideburns, reminiscent of the kind-hearted wheeler-dealer played by David Jason in the Nineties
The Durrell’s screenwriter Simon Nye will tell the story of the working class Larkin family, first brought to life in H.E. Bates’ 1950s novel, for a new generation of fans who missed out on the nineties classic, which gave Hollywood star Catherine Zeta Jones her acting breakthrough.
Bridgerton actress Sabrina Bartlett reprises the Oscar-winning Welsh actress’s role of Mariette, Bradley’s on-screen daughter Mariette, while The Thick of It’s Joanna Scanlan will play the Larkin matriarch wife, Ma.
Grantchester’s Tok Stephen has been cast as Cedric ‘Charley’ Charlton, and Bradley’s son Barney has also landed a role as a village policeman.
Filming: He was seen pacing around the high street, which had been given a 1950s makeover, while chatting on his phone between takes
Upcoming: The Darling Buds of May remake, titled The Larkins, was confirmed last December but ITV have yet to confirm when the six-part series will air (pictured is the set today)
The main focus is the love story between Mariette and village newcomer Charley who arrives in their village to investigate the family’s tax affairs, but is quickly distracted by his feelings for Mariette.
The original series, which ran between 1991-1993, was shot predominantly in Pluckley, Kent, but the remake has so far been shot in London, Surrey, as well as Monday’s scenes in Faversham.
Speaking about taking on the role of Pop Larkin earlier this year,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.’
Lookalike: Sabrina Bartlett (left) has been cast as Mariette in the ITV remake of The Darling Buds of May – the same role which catapulted Catherine Zeta Jones (right) to stardom
A vision: The role was responsible for launching the career of Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, now 51, who portrayed Mariette in the original ITV series (pictured in 1991)
And alluding to what viewers can expect, an ITV synopsis read:
The synopsis from ITV reads: ‘Fiercely loyal to each other and their community, each Larkin family member has a strong work ethic, alongside a disinterest in authority.’
‘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 TomFisher. Mariette, on the other hand, may have plans of her own, which don’t involve men.’
Matriarch: Among the cast is Joanna Scanlan, 59, (left) who takes over from Pam Ferris (right) as Pop’s wife Ma Larkin
Original cast: The popular Nineties family drama, which was set in 50s, followed Pop Laarkin, his wife Ma and their children in all their antics