The Darling Buds of May – Cast, Meaning, Where Are They Now

The Darling Buds of May remains one of the most beloved British television series of the 1990s, a sun-drenched comedy-drama that captured the hearts of millions. Set in the idyllic Kent countryside, the show followed the chaotic, joy-filled Larkin family as they outwitted authorities and celebrated life on their own terms. But the story behind the series—from its literary origins to the actors who brought it to life—is just as rich as the fiction itself.

First airing on ITV in April 1991, the series became a cultural phenomenon, peaking at 19 million viewers and launching the career of a young Catherine Zeta-Jones. Based on a 1958 novella by H.E. Bates, the title itself carries a poetic weight borrowed from Shakespeare. Three decades later, the show continues to find new audiences through streaming and a 2021 remake.

This article covers everything from the original cast and their current whereabouts to the meaning behind the memorable phrase “perfick!” and the status of any future adaptations. All information is drawn from published sources and verified accounts.

What is The Darling Buds of May About?

The Darling Buds of May follows the Larkin family, a rural Kent clan living a chaotic, tax-dodging existence in the 1950s. Pop Larkin (David Jason) and his wife Ma (Pam Ferris) preside over a household of six children, a menagerie of animals, and a general disdain for bureaucracy. The plot is set in motion when a young tax inspector, Cedric “Charley” Charlton (Philip Franks), arrives to investigate the family’s finances—only to be seduced by their warmth, their lifestyle, and their eldest daughter Mariette.

• The show launched Catherine Zeta-Jones’ career, making her a household name.
• The phrase “Darling Buds of May” itself is a metaphor for the height of spring and beauty.
• The show was a massive ratings success for ITV, averaging over 12 million viewers per episode.
• “Perfick” became a catchphrase associated with the series and a cultural touchstone.
• The series ran for 20 episodes across three series, from 1991 to 1993.
• The 2021 remake, titled The Larkins, starred Bradley Walsh and Joanna Scanlan.

Who Stars in The Darling Buds of May Cast?

The cast of The Darling Buds of May brought H.E. Bates’s characters to vivid life. David Jason, already a household name from Only Fools and Horses, was cast first as Pop Larkin. Pam Ferris joined as Ma Larkin, and Philip Franks took the role of Charley Charlton. But the casting that made headlines was Catherine Zeta-Jones as Mariette Larkin, a role for which more than 300 actresses had auditioned.

Main cast and their roles

• David Jason as Pop Larkin — the charismatic, rule-bending patriarch whose catchphrase “perfick!” became legendary.
• Pam Ferris as Ma Larkin — the warm, no-nonsense matriarch who keeps the household running.
• Catherine Zeta-Jones as Mariette Larkin — the eldest daughter, whose pregnancy sets the story in motion.
• Philip Franks as Cedric “Charley” Charlton — the tax inspector who falls for the Larkin way of life.
• Tyler Butterworth as Rev. John Candy — the local vicar (4 episodes).
• Michael Jayston as Ernest Bristow — a brewery owner (4 episodes).
• Carol MacReady as Mrs. Daws — a shopkeeper (4 episodes).
• Sheila Burrell as Mrs. Kinthley — a hop-garden owner (4 episodes).

Where is the Darling Buds of May cast now?

Catherine Zeta-Jones went on to become an international film star, winning an Oscar for Chicago (2002). She has remained active in film and television into the 2020s, with recent roles in The Crown and Prodigal Son. David Jason was knighted in 2000 and remains a beloved figure in British entertainment; his recent work includes the 2025 documentary Del Boy’s Class of ’74 and stage tours at age 86. Pam Ferris continued a distinguished television career, notably as Sister Evangelina in Call the Midwife from 2012 to 2022. Philip Franks has worked extensively in theatre, including with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and appeared in The Crown and Pushing Daisies. Michael Jayston is believed to have passed away before 2026, though no recent public update has been confirmed.

What Does the Phrase “Darling Buds of May” Mean?

The title comes from William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18, which begins: “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate: Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May.” The phrase evokes the fleeting beauty of late spring—a perfect metaphor for the Larkin family’s joyful, ephemeral lifestyle. H.E. Bates chose the title to reflect the warmth, optimism, and natural abundance at the heart of his story.

The most famous quote from the series is Pop Larkin’s catchphrase “perfick!”—a deliberately misspoken “perfect” that became a cultural shorthand for the show’s affectionate, slightly chaotic charm. The phrase appears repeatedly in both the novels and the television adaptations.

Who Wrote the Darling Buds of May Book?

The Darling Buds of May is a 1958 novella by British author H.E. Bates. It is the first in a five-book series about the Larkin family. Bates drew inspiration from real rural families he observed in Kent, capturing their warmth, resourcefulness, and disregard for conventions. The subsequent novels in the series are A Little Summer of Fun (1958), The Wider Sun (1959), Sugar for the Horse (1959), and Oh! To Be in England (1963).

The 60th anniversary of the novel in 2018 prompted renewed interest in Bates’s real-life inspirations, with Penguin.co.uk highlighting the author’s own connections to the Kent countryside. The novels are celebrated for their escapist comedy and affectionate portrayal of rural life.

When Did The Darling Buds of May Air? A Timeline

1. 1958: H.E. Bates publishes the novel The Darling Buds of May.
2. 1991: The first series of the TV adaptation airs on ITV on April 7.
3. 1991–1993: Three series of the show are produced and broadcast, totalling 20 episodes.
4. 1993: The final episode airs on May 30.
5. 2015: Media reports surface about a potential remake or sequel, though no official confirmation follows.
6. 2021: ITV airs a six-part remake titled The Larkins, starring Bradley Walsh and Joanna Scanlan. It is renewed for a second season.
7. 2020s: The original series continues to be streamed on ITVX and BritBox, and is released on DVD.

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain?

Why Does The Darling Buds of May Still Resonate?

The enduring appeal of The Darling Buds of May lies in its escapist vision of family, nature, and gentle rebellion against authority. In an era of increasing complexity, the Larkin family’s simple pleasures—good food, open fields, and loyalty to one another—offer a comforting fantasy. The show’s anti-tax, anti-bureaucracy charm, embodied by Pop’s catchphrase “perfick!”, has kept it alive in the cultural memory long after its final episode.

The series also launched Catherine Zeta-Jones onto the world stage, and her subsequent Hollywood success has drawn new generations back to the show that gave her first big break. The 2021 remake, though met with mixed reviews, demonstrated that the appetite for the Larkins’ world remains strong.

What Do the Sources Say?

“Perfick!”

— Pop Larkin, character catchphrase

“The Darling Buds of May is a television adaptation of H.E. Bates’ novel…”

— Wikipedia

“Ma & Pa Larkin & their six children lead an almost…”

— ITV.com official show page

What’s Next for Fans of the Larkin Family?

For those who want to explore further, the full set of H.E. Bates’ Larkin novels offers a deeper dive into the characters and their world. The original series remains available on streaming platforms including ITVX and BritBox. Fans can also visit Darling Buds Farm in Kingsdown, Kent, which served as the Larkin family home and has become a tourist destination. The The Darling Buds of May: Comprehensive Research Summary provides additional background on the show’s production and cultural impact.

Frequently Asked Questions