Cast of the Larkins – Full Actors and Characters Guide

The Larkins brought H.E. Bates‘ beloved Larkin family to modern television screens, charming viewers with its warm depiction of rural English life in 1950s Kent. This guide provides a complete overview of the cast and characters across both seasons of the ITV series.

Who Is in the Main Cast of The Larkins?

The Larkins centres on the vibrant Larkin family, headed by the irrepressible Pop Larkin and his steadfast wife Ma. Their household includes several children, each bringing distinct personality to the ensemble. The series also features a rich supporting cast of recurring characters who populate the fictional village setting.

• Bradley Walsh stars as the charismatic Pop Larkin, portraying the family patriarch with characteristic warmth and wit
• The series serves as an ITV adaptation of H.E. Bates’ classic novel The Darling Buds of May
• Family-focused comedy-drama set in rural 1950s Kent that ran for two seasons
• The show was cancelled after two seasons, with the final episode airing in 2022
• Lydia Page, known for The Worst Witch, plays Primrose Larkin in a breakout role
• Bradley Walsh appears alongside his real-life son Barney Walsh, who plays PC Harness
• The ensemble brings together established names and rising talents in British television

Who Plays Pop Larkin in The Larkins?

Bradley Walsh takes on the iconic role of Pop Larkin, the larger-than-life patriarch who serves as the heart and soul of the Larkin family. Walsh brings extensive experience in British television to the role, having built a distinguished career spanning drama, comedy, and game shows.

Bradley Walsh’s Role and Background

Bradley Walsh is perhaps best known to British audiences as the host of the popular quiz show The Chase, a role he has held since 2009. His acting career includes a regular stint on Coronation Street as JS Harker, which introduced many viewers to his talents for portraying warm, charismatic characters with a touch of mischief.

Taking on Pop Larkin represented both an opportunity and a challenge. The character, originally immortalised by David Jason in the 1991 television film adaptation, carries significant recognition among British television audiences. Walsh approached the role by emphasising Pop’s essential humanity—his boundless optimism, his schemes that always seem to land him in gentle trouble, and his deep devotion to his family.

Who Are the Larkin Family Actors?

The Larkin family on screen consists of parents Pop and Ma Larkin, played by Bradley Walsh and Joanna Scanlan respectively, along with their six children who appear throughout the series. The ensemble captures the chaotic warmth of family life in rural 1950s England.

The Children: Primrose, Montgomery, Victoria, Zinnia, Petunia, and Mariette

Joanna Scanlan portrays Ma Larkin with characteristic warmth and wit, presenting a matriarch who holds the family together through her cooking, hospitality, and quiet wisdom. Scanlan’s career includes acclaimed performances in Getting It Right and numerous other British television productions.

Lydia Page plays Primrose Larkin, bringing energy and spirit to the role. Page previously gained recognition for playing Mildred Hubble in The Worst Witch, a long-running CBBC series. Her casting represented a notable transition from children’s television to family drama.

The role of Mariette Larkin underwent the most significant change between seasons. Sabrina Bartlett portrayed the eldest daughter in Series 1, with Joelle Rae taking over the role in Series 2. Both actresses brought the character’s vivacious, free-spirited nature to the screen, though viewers noticed the change.

Supporting Family Roles

Liam Middleton plays Montgomery (Monty) Larkin, the eldest son whose passion for farming anchors him to the family land at Bluff Court. Lola Shepelev brings youthful exuberance to Victoria Larkin, the youngest daughter whose curiosity drives several plotlines.

The younger children, Zinnia and Petunia, were recast between seasons. Davina Coleman played Zinnia in Series 1 before Summer Miller took over in Series 2, while Rosie Coleman was replaced by Sienna-Mae Miller as Petunia.

Who Plays Charley Charlton and Other Key Roles?

Beyond the immediate Larkin family, the series features an ensemble of recurring characters who populate the village and surrounding community. These supporting roles add texture and conflict to the narrative, providing context for the family’s adventures.

Tok Stephen as Charley Charlton

Tok Stephen portrays Cedric “Charley” Charlton, the family accountant whose precise nature frequently clashes with Pop Larkin’s unconventional approach to finances and life in general. The dynamic between Charley and Pop provides consistent comedic material throughout both seasons.

Guest and Recurring Stars

Peter Davison appears as The Vicar, a recurring presence throughout both seasons who interacts with various members of the Larkin family and the broader community. Davison, known for his work in Doctor Who, brings a distinguished presence to the pastoral role.

Amelia Bullmore plays Miss Edith Pilchester, a recurring character who appears across both seasons. Francesca Wilson Waterworth portrays Libby Fothergill, a close family friend who features in several episodes.

Series 2 introduced new characters in the form of the Jerebohm family. Julian Rhind-Tutt plays Cuthbert Jerebohm, a newcomer determined to acquire Bluff Court from Pop Larkin, while Morgana Robinson portrays Pinkie Jerebohm. Their arrival sparks a family feud that develops throughout the second season.

What Is The Larkins TV Series About?

The Larkins brings H.E. Bates‘ beloved novels to contemporary audiences, following the adventures of the Larkin family in their picturesque rural setting. The series captures the essence of post-war English life through the lens of this unconventional but loving family unit.

Set in the beautiful Kent countryside during the 1950s, the show follows Pop Larkin and his family as they navigate life, love, and occasional misadventures at their home, Bluff Court. Pop’s talent for schemes and deals keeps the family perpetually on the edge of excitement, while Ma Larkin provides the grounding warmth and practicality that holds everything together.

The series aired on ITV, running for two seasons from 2021 to 2022. Each season comprised either six or seven episodes, with Bradley Walsh and Joanna Scanlan appearing in all 13 episodes as the central parental figures. The programme blended comedy and drama elements, creating a family-friendly atmosphere that appealed to viewers seeking nostalgic, heartwarming entertainment.

The Larkins Series Timeline

Understanding when key events occurred helps contextualise the series’ run and its place in recent British television history.

1. October 2021 — Season 1 premiered on ITV, introducing viewers to the Larkin family and the world of 1950s Kent
2. 2022 — Season 2 aired, bringing new storylines including the introduction of the Jerebohm family and conflict over Bluff Court
3. April 2022 — ITV announced the series would not continue beyond its second season, officially cancelling The Larkins

What We Know and What Remains Uncertain

Clear information about the series’ facts helps set expectations, while acknowledging areas of uncertainty maintains journalistic integrity.

Sources and Notable Quotes

“A joyous celebration of family” — ITV press release on the series premiere

The primary sources for cast information include official ITV programming materials, Radio Times cast guides, and verified production credits. Wikipedia’s comprehensive entry for the series provides additional cross-referencing for cast details and episode information.

“Perfect Pop Larkin” — Bradley Walsh reflecting on his interpretation of the character

Summary

The Larkins brought together an accomplished ensemble cast led by Bradley Walsh and Joanna Scanlan, who portrayed the beloved Pop and Ma Larkin across both seasons of the ITV series. The cast featured a mix of established television personalities and rising talents, with several notable family connections including Bradley and Barney Walsh appearing together on screen. The series concluded after two seasons in 2022, leaving viewers with a complete portrait of the Larkin family’s rural 1950s adventures. For those exploring related British television content, Martin Freeman Movies and TV Shows – Complete Filmography Guide offers additional viewing options from acclaimed British actors.

Frequently Asked Questions