The BBC has unveiled the full cast for its Worzel Gummidge revival, with Michael Palin, Zoë Wanamaker and Steve Pemberton joining the children’s drama.
Advertisement
While the Monty Python star is set to play creator of scarecrows The Green Man in the upcoming pair of hour-long episodes, Wanamaker (My Family) will portray the eccentric local aristocrat, Lady Bloomsbury Barton. Best known for his work on Inside No. 9, Pemberton will play farmer Mr Braithwaite.
Plus, The Windsors’ Vicki Pepperdine will play the formidable Aunt Sally, while Rosie Cavaliero (Gentleman Jack) takes the role of Mrs Braithwaite.
Thierry Wickens (John), India Brown (Susan) and Mackenzie Crook (Worzel) in BBC1's Worzel Gummidge
As previously confirmed, Detectorists’ Mackenzie Crook – who has written and directed the show – will play the titular turnip-headed scarecrow.
India Brown (Hetty Feather) and Thierry Wickens (making his TV debut) will play two city children spending summer at Scatterbrook farm, where they befriend Worzel and embark on adventures.
Michael Palin (Getty, EH)
Speaking about his casting, Palin said: “It’s a lovely part for me, but the whole script is very memorable and touching, and very funny too. It quite skilfully weaves in something for everybody all the time.”
Wanamaker added: “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."
Just like the original 1979-81 ITV series (which was led by Doctor Who actor Jon Pertwee), the new Worzel Gummidge episodes are adapted from the classic books by Barbara Euphan Todd.
Advertisement
Worzel Gummidge will air on BBC One later this year
Thomas is Digital editor at BBC Science Focus. Writing about everything from cosmology to anthropology, he specialises in the latest psychology, health and neuroscience discoveries. Thomas has a Masters degree (distinction) in Magazine Journalism from the University of Sheffield and has written for Men’s Health, Vice and Radio Times. He has been shortlisted as the New Digital Talent of the Year at the national magazine Professional Publishers Association (PPA) awards. Also working in academia, Thomas has lectured on the topic of journalism to undergraduate and postgraduate students at The University of Sheffield.
