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'The Larkins' confirms series 2 with new actor cast as Mariette

Bradley Walsh and Joanna Scanlan star as Pop and Ma Larkin. (ITV)
Bradley Walsh and Joanna Scanlan return as Pop and Ma Larkin. (ITV)

The Larkins is set to return for a second series, but with a major recasting as a new actor will play daughter Mariette.

ITV's adaptation of H.E.Bates' novels is a fresh take on hit 90s series The Darling Buds of May, which saw Catherine Zeta-Jones find fame as beautiful Larkin daughter Mariette, a role that was taken on by Sabrina Bartlett in last year's rebooted show.

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However, Bartlett has left the series for unexplained reasons, with scheduling clashes and reports of a disagreement on set having been rumoured.

Mariette has been recast with Joelle Rae taking on the role, where she will appear alongside Tok Stephen who returns as her husband Cedric ‘Charley’ Charlton, and Bradley Walsh and Joanna Scanlan as her parents Pop and Ma Larkin.

Joelle Rae (left) replaces Sabrina Bartlett as Mariette. (Michael Shelford/Getty)
Joelle Rae (left) replaces Sabrina Bartlett as Mariette. (Michael Shelford/Getty)

Other new names will be joining the cast, too, including comedian Morgana Robinson as Pinkie Jerebohm, the mother of a new family who arrive in the village and soon end up at war with the Larkins.

Her children Gilbert and Blanche are played by Hector Bateman Harden and Lucy Allix, with casting of husband Cuthbert yet to be announced.

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Maxim Ays also joins the cast as the handsome Reverend Candy, who sets hearts aflutter when he takes up a new post in the village - including Petunia Larkin's.

Morgana Robinson joins The Larkins cast. (Ray Burmiston)
Morgana Robinson joins The Larkins cast. (Ray Burmiston)

Cold Feet star Robert Bathurst will return to the cast as Johnny Delamere, and series lead Walsh's son Barney Walsh will also be back on screen as PC Harness.

Filming on the six new episodes has recently begun and will continue over the summer, showing off the beautiful Kent countryside setting.

ITV will air series two later this year and although a return date hasn't yet been announced, series one of The Larkins aired last autumn, followed by a special festive episode on Christmas Day.

Watch: Bradley Walsh's son appears in The Larkins cameo