Doctor Who star Peter Davison cast as a ‘gossipy vicar’ in ITV’s The Darling Buds Of May reboot

The Darling Buds Of May reboot has added another star to the cast. 

Peter Davison – who is perhaps best known as the fifth incarnation of The Doctor in Doctor Who – will portray a ‘gossipy vicar’ in The Larkins, set to air on ITV, according to The Sun.

He joins Bridgerton star Sabrina Bartlett, 29, who is set to portray the character Mariette Larkin, a role made famous by Catherine Zeta-Jones in the 1990s comedy, opposite Bradley Walsh, 60, and Joanna Scanlan, 59. 

Joining the cast: The Darling Buds Of May reboot has added another star to the cast – Peter Davison

A TV source said: ‘Peter’s vicar will be a colourful character who thrives on local gossip and is more than happy to have a light refreshment with Pop Larkin [Walsh].

‘The new drama will feature a variety of recurring characters who all live in and around the village. 

‘Everyone’s over the moon Peter is on board. He’s well-respected and liked and a great addition to the cast.’

Mailonline has contacted representatives for ITV and Peter for comment. 

Davison, 69, played The Doctor between 1981-1984.

Sharing her excitement at taking the part, Sabrina, who stars as opera singer Siena Rosso in Bridgerton, said in a statement: ‘I am really, really excited to be taking on the role of Mariette Larkin in this new adaption of the H.E. Bates novels.

From doctor to priest: The actor is perhaps best known as the fifth incarnation of The Doctor in Doctor Who [pictured] and will portray a ‘gossipy vicar’ in The Larkins. Davison, 69, played The Doctor between 1981-1984

A TV source said: ‘Peter’s vicar will be a colourful character who thrives on local gossip. Everyone’s over the moon Peter is on board. He’s well-respected and liked and a great addition to the cast’

New role: Bridgerton’s Sabrina Bartlett, (left), has been cast as Mariette Larkin in ITV’s The Darling Buds Of May reboot, which will be called The Larkins, alongside Bradley Walsh and Joanna Scanlan, it was revealed on Thursday

‘I can’t wait to bring these heart-warming stories to life alongside such a wonderful team. It’s just the perfect dose of escapism we all need right now.’

It was revealed back in December that Walsh would play Pop Larkin, originally played by David Jason, and Joanna was set to portray his wife Ma, first played by Pam Ferris.

Darling Buds tells the story of The Larkins, who, along with their six children, navigate their idyllic life in the Kent countryside whilst dealing with threats from government officials and snobby neighbours.

Exciting: The actress is set to portray Mariette Larkin, a role made famous by Catherine Zeta-Jones in the 1990s comedy (pictured, with David Jason, Philip Franks, and Pam Ferris)

Classic: The classic programme followed the lives of the Larkin family in rural Kent in the 1950s (pictured, the original) 

The series also focuses on the beloved love story between Mariette and village newcomer Cedric ‘Charley’ Charlton, an accountant who is sent to deal with the Larkins’ tax affairs.

Pop Larkin actor David famously introduced his catchphrase ‘Perfick’ on the show.

ITV has said that the adaptation, written by The Durrells screenwriter Simon Nye, ‘aims to capture the warmth, optimism and escapism of The Larkin family for a modern generation.’ 

Simon previously said 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.’

Delighted: Sabrina, who stars as opera singer Siena Rosso in Bridgerton (pictured in character), said in a statement: ‘I am really, really excited to be taking on the role’

Doctor Who star Bradley said of the drama: ‘I’m thrilled to be asked to be part of this much loved and iconic series of stories. 

‘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!’

It was also announced on Thursday that Tok Stephen had joined the cast in the role of Cedric ‘Charley’ Charlton, Mariette’s husband.

Discussing being a part of the cast, Tok said: ‘I am thrilled to be cast as Charley in such a beloved and wonderful show.

‘I can’t wait to work alongside Joanna, Bradley and Sabrina. I’m incredibly excited. I hope we can impress fans of the original novels with our version.’ 

Family: It was revealed back in December that Walsh (pictured) would play Pop Larkin, and Joanna was set to portray his wife Ma

Casting: It was also announced on Thursday that Tok Stephen (pictured) had joined the cast in the role of Cedric ‘Charley’ Charlton, Mariette’s husband

It was reported in November 2019 that the show – set in the 1950s – was to be ‘revamped’ to replace The Durrells, the classic programme followed the lives of the Larkin family in rural Kent. 

The six-part series was due to begin filming last 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 in the 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.

An insider told The Sun at the time: ‘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.’

Welsh star Zeta Jones went on to have a glittering Hollywood career and said in 2016 she would be up for a big screen remake of Darling Buds.

Following a move to America, Zeta-Jones made her Hollywood breakthrough in 1998 role The Mask of Zorro alongside Antonio Banderas and Anthony Hopkins.

She won an Academy Award for the musical Chicago (2002), for best supporting actress. 

Catherine is now married to Michael Douglas and they are parents to Dylan 20 and Carys, 17.