UK remakes Worzel Gummidge

Actor Mackenzie Crook stars as Worzel Gummidge in a remake of the classic children’s series which aired from 1979 – 1981 with Jon Pertwee.

Crook (Pirates Of The Caribbean, Detectorists) has written and directed two 1 hr films, inspired by the classic books of Barbara Euphan Todd, for the BBC.

Worzel Gummidge was a scarecrow that could come to life. Living in Ten Acre Field, he would often visit the nearby village of Scatterbrook and befriended two children, who often tried to clear up the messes he created.

The new version comes with an environmental message.

Playing The Green Man, creator of the scarecrows, who arrives to Scatterbrook, is comedy legend Sir Michael Palin.

“It’s a lovely part for me, but the whole script is very memorable and touching, and very funny too. It quite skillfully weaves in something for everybody all the time,” he said.

Zoë Wanamaker (My Family, Harry Potter And The Philosophers Stone) will play the eccentric local aristocrat, Lady Bloomsbury Barton.

“The whole thing is so charming and inventive. It’s the sort of thing I’d watch. I’m sure it will be a huge success. I know it will – it’s divine,” she added.

Also appearing are Vicki Pepperdine (Getting On, The Windsors), Steve Pemberton (League Of Gentleman, Benidorm), Rosie Cavaliero (Gentleman Jack, Cleaning Up), India Brown (Hetty Feather) and newcomer Thierry Wickens.

After its original UK run, the show was revived in New Zealand from 1987 – 1989.

Australian broadcast details are yet to be confirmed.