Comedy star Mackenzie Crook is set to bring kids’ favourite Worzel Gummidge back to TV, stepping into the role made famous by late Doctor Who actor Jon Pertwee.
The 46-year-old is reported to have drafted a script for the BBC inspired by the original ITV series which ran for 31 episodes between 1979 and 1981.
It is believed the show will be a thorough reboot, rather than picking up and continuing stories from previous episodes.
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The eponymous scarecrow with interchangeable heads and Aunt Sally (played by Una Stubbs) also had a brief comeback on Channel 4 in 1987 when they were transported to New Zealand for new adventures.
According to The Sun, Mackenzie has been working on the project for “some time” but it is thought development of the show is only just beginning.
A spokesperson for Mackenzie told Mirror Online: “Mackenzie Crook is currently in the very early stages of developing a contemporary adaptation of Barbara Euphan Todd’s original Worzel Gummidge books as a new TV series for the BBC.”
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The casting of Mackenzie – best known as Gareth Keenan, David Brent’s gormless second-in-command in The Office, as well as for his roles in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, Game of Thrones and Detectorists – was welcomed by many fans on social media.
#WorzelGummidge reboot w Mackenzie Crook: good casting, but can you avoid stepping on the copyright toes of Keith Waterhouse & Willis Hall? So much of what we think of as Worzel is them rather than Barbara Euphan Todd. pic.twitter.com/lGlKywISa2
— Dene Kernohan (@Dene71) April 9, 2018
Ohh Mackenzie Crook to play Worzel Gummidge , yes pleasey !!!! pic.twitter.com/U1RwjPL5mA
— Amanda Hewson (@amanda_J_hewson) April 9, 2018
Mackenzie Crook as Worzel Gummidge is brilliant!
— Dean (@dean_bullock) April 9, 2018
@gmb
Wow worzel gummidge reboot coming back to TV, can’t wait. I love watching the Jon Pertwee versions of the comedy series, I hope it can be as good as. Look out for that next year.— John Horne (@johnhorneartist) April 9, 2018
Watching @lorraine this morning and i hear that worzel gummidge is making a come back…loved this as a child! pic.twitter.com/7heTMnnVgV
— Sarah long (@ohbettyboo) April 9, 2018
Welcome to the new Worzel Gummidge! Am guessing that his head will be attached with a stapler? #MackenzieCrook #TheOffice pic.twitter.com/6q9CEeQYon
— Rob (BOB!) (@LostHeartToKate) April 9, 2018
“Ace can’t wait!,” tweeted @simon_keiver. “But who will play Aunt Sally or the Crowman?”
Some, however, were a little more hesitant about a TV return for the show, tweeting: “Leave my childhood alone!”
I hear they are remaking Worzel Gummidge. The most terrifying programme to ever be broadcast. pic.twitter.com/MSkS9Zl49Z
— Sue Kirk (@SueKirk) April 9, 2018
there was only one worzel gummidge that was john pertwee
— [email protected] (@daveandpat1231) April 9, 2018
Burnt my fingers on my hair straighteners this morning. Straight after finding out there’s going to be a remake of Worzel Gummidge! Leave my childhood alone!
— Louise (@LouiseLacy) April 9, 2018
Do you want to see Worzel Gummidge and Aunt Sally return to TV? Let us know what you reckon by heading over to our Facebook page to join the showbiz conversation – @EntertainmentDailyFix.