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The Darling Buds of May remake star Bradley Walsh tucks into ice cream in Broadstairs

Bradley Walsh has been spotted tucking into an ice cream on the Kent coast during filming for a remake of The Darling Buds of May.

Crews were earlier spotted this week in Faversham where filming for the hotly anticipated adaptation The Larkins is taking place.

Bradley Walsh enjoys an ice cream in Broadstairs during filming of The Darling Buds of May. Picture: Richard Goldfinch
Bradley Walsh enjoys an ice cream in Broadstairs during filming of The Darling Buds of May. Picture: Richard Goldfinch

But they have since moved to Broadstairs where Bradley Walsh was spotted indulging in the tasty treat.

The Larkins is a six-part comedy drama series commissioned by ITV, starring The Chase presenter Bradley Walsh and Joanna Scanlan as Pop Larkin and his wife Ma.

It is an adaptation of H.E. Bates’ novel The Darling Buds of May, written by acclaimed screenwriter Simon Nye, who was also behind Finding Alice, The Durrells and Men Behaving Badly.

The book and its sequels were last adapted 30 years ago as The Darling Buds of May.

Starring David Jason, Pam Ferris, and Catherine Zeta-Jones, the show became one of ITV’s all time highest rated television comedy dramas, winning critical acclaim and audience approval.

Bradley Walsh enjoys an ice cream in Broadstairs during filming of The Darling Buds of May. Picture: Richard Goldfinch
Bradley Walsh enjoys an ice cream in Broadstairs during filming of The Darling Buds of May. Picture: Richard Goldfinch

Shops in Market Place, Faversham, were given a retro makeover, while vintage cars lining the town's streets have added to the times-gone-by feel.

Carters Newsagents was transformed into Venwell & Co, while Ward and Partners was rebranded as Coxfield Bank Ltd and Presentimes as Dilly's Gifts.

Stars including Bradley Walsh have were spotted in the town centre, dressed in period costume.

Commenting on his casting as Pop Larkin, the actor and singer 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!“

Bradley Walsh filming in Faversham. Picture: Salt & Spice Faversham
Bradley Walsh filming in Faversham. Picture: Salt & Spice Faversham
The clock has been rolled back in Faversham for the filming of The Larkins. Picture: Crispin Whiting
The clock has been rolled back in Faversham for the filming of The Larkins. Picture: Crispin Whiting

Set in the late 1950s, The Larkins is the story of a working-class family led by golden-hearted wheeler dealer Pop Larkin and his wife Ma, together with their six children, including the beautiful Mariette.

Fiercely loyal to each other and their community, each Larkin family member has a strong work ethic, alongside a disinterest in authority.

In the beautiful Kent countryside, The Larkins have achieved a small patch of paradise, but often deal with threats to their idyllic way of life.

Alongside their weekly battles with authority and snobbish villagers, The Larkins will follow the love story between Mariette and village newcomer Cedric ‘Charley’ Charlton.

Charley arrives in the village as an unworldly and officious accountant from the city, there to investigate the Larkins’ tax affairs.

The clock has been rolled back in Faversham for the filming of The Larkins. Picture: Crispin Whiting
The clock has been rolled back in Faversham for the filming of The Larkins. Picture: Crispin Whiting
Shops in Market Place, Faversham, have been given a 1950s makeover. Picture: Faversham Town Council
Shops in Market Place, Faversham, have been given a 1950s makeover. Picture: Faversham Town Council

But he is soon distracted by Mariette, with whom he falls head over heels in love, and discovers he has a romantic rival in the form of the handsome and mysterious Tom Fisher.

Mariette, on the other hand, may have plans of her own, which don’t involve men.

Screenwriter Simon Nye said: “The novels are short, hilarious and magical. We will be expanding the Larkins’ world a little and can’t wait to immerse ourselves in this glorious countryside idyll.”

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet

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