THE BBC has announced the cast for the TV adaptation of Worzel Gummidge – with Mackenzie Crook in lead role.
The new adaptation of the beloved book has been a labour of love for the Pirates of the Caribbean actor, 47, who has written and directed the two one-hour films as well as being in front of the camera as the titular character.
Mackenzie will be joined by Sir Michael Palin, who will play creator of the scarecrows, The Green Man, in the second film.
He said: “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.”
Meanwhile My Family’s Zoe Wanamaker will star as the eccentric local aristocrat, Lady Bloomsbury Barton alongside Michael and Mackenzie in episode two.
Of her role, she said: “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.”
Adding to the star-studded line up is League of Gentleman’s Steve Pemberton, who will play the farmer, Mr Braithwaite.
The cast also includes Gentleman Jack’s Rosie Cavaliero as his wife, Mrs Braithwaite, while the child characters of Susan and John will be played by India Brown and Thierry Wickens.
The pair will have a summer of adventures on Scatterbrook farm after befriending Worzel, a scarecrow who comes to life.
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The two films will air on BBC One later this year.
Worzel Gummidge was first introduced in the 1936 book by author Barbara Euphan Todd with a further nine books released until 1963.
They have been adapted on a number of previous occasions including a TV series which began in 1979 with former Doctor Who actor Jon Pertwee in the lead role.
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