Joanna Scanlan to star in Darling Buds Of May reboot (Picture: Getty, Rex)
Joanna Scanlan is set to star in The Darling Buds of May remake as Ma Larkin (Picture: Getty/REX)

Joanna Scanlan is set to play Ma Larkin in the Darling Buds of May remake.

The original series starred David Jason and a pre-fame Catherine Zeta-Jones, and followed the trials and tribulations of the Larkin family in 1950s Kent.

Now, Joanna – who has starred in comedies The Thick Of It and No Offence – is set to take on the leading role of matriarch Ma, originally played Pam Ferris.

According to the Daily Mirror, Joanna will star alongside Doctor Who’s Bradley Walsh, who will play her on-screen husband.

Fans may have to wait a little while longer to be reunited with the Larkin family, however, as filming on the series has been pushed back due to coronavirus.

A source told the publication: ‘It has to be filmed in the summer because it’s when the books are set and we need sunshine.

Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by ITV/REX/Shutterstock (1260883mo) Philip Franks as Charley, Catherine Zeta-Jones as Mariette Larkins, Pam Ferris as Ma, David Jason as Pop Larkins 'The Darling Buds of May' Series 2, TV Programme. - 1992 Series 2 : The life of the Larkin family, farmers in Kent.
Pam Ferris, David Jason and Catherine Zeta-Jones originally starred (Picture: ITV/REX)

‘It remains to be seen how you can film a romance from six feet apart, but no one’s giving up on it yet.’

It was previously revealed that Darling Buds of May would be returning to home channel ITV 30 years after it first aired.

An insider originally told The Sun: ‘A revamped version of The Darling Buds of May is just the kind of show ITV needs to keep its reputation for making family-friendly dramas.

‘It brought people together around the TV almost three decades ago, and they’re hoping it will provide the same shared experience once again.’

The original series was an adaption of the book of the same name by author H.E Bates.

Darling Buds Of May comes to ITV.

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