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Simon Coulson, owner of Darling Buds Farm, in Bethersden, is looking for someone to play Ma or Pop Larkin and greet holiday makers

Could you be the next Ma or Pop Larkin?

The owner of Buss Farm - where popular ITV show The Darling Buds of May was filmed - is looking for someone to play one of the much loved characters.

Simon Coulson, who bought the Bethersden farm two years ago and renamed it Darling Buds Farm, has spent thousands transforming it into a holiday destination, which includes three converted farm buildings.

Simon at the farm
Simon at the farm

He is now looking for one more thing to make guests' stay complete - a Ma or Pop Larkin.

The role would entail living at the farm and working as part of a small team meeting and greeting holidaymakers.

A description of the role says: "Imagine, waking up in the morning on a beautiful farm in a small village location, set in a 35 acre estate, surrounded by chickens, ducks, llamas, sheep and dogs.

Pam Ferris and David Jason as the Larkins in The Darling Buds of May TV series. Picture: ITV
Pam Ferris and David Jason as the Larkins in The Darling Buds of May TV series. Picture: ITV

"Walking round the farm checking on the animals, occasionally gardening and painting, and preparing the 11 bedrooms ready for the arrival of the lucky holidaymakers arriving to replicate and relive the life of the characters from the hit series."

The role would also involve occasionally cooking, cleaning the house to the "highest of standards" and caring for the farm dogs.

To thrive in the role, you must "love working with the public, like Ma, be of cheery disposition, have great communications, be quick and efficient" and have "a keen interest in the Darling Buds of May series."

Catherine Zeta Jones in The Darling Buds of May. Picture: ITV
Catherine Zeta Jones in The Darling Buds of May. Picture: ITV

The show ran on ITV for three series from 1991 to 1993 and was based on the H.E. Bates novels and told of the exploits of the boisterous Larkin family in the 1950s.

David Jason starred as Sidney Charles "Pop" Larkin, Pam Ferris as Florence Daisy "Ma" (Parker) Larkin, Catherine Zeta-Jones as daughter Mariette and Philip Franks as tax inspector Cedric “Charley” Charlton, who falls in love with Mariette.

For more information or to apply go to www.darlingbudsfarm.co.uk.

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