Fans have been given a first-look at Mackenzie Crook as Worzel Gummidge in the new BBC Christmas reboot – and it is just so heartwarming.
The Pirates Of The Caribbean actor is bringing back one of the best-loved children’s TV characters of the 80s as a contemporary adaptation of Barbara Euphan Todd’s books.
The stories starred scarecrow Worzel, who got into mischief on Scatterbrook Farm with interchangeable heads, with each one giving him a special skill.
Fans of the original series, which ran in the 1970s and ’80s, are finally able to see Mackenzie in action as the sentient scarecrow for the first time.
In a first-look trailer, Worzel calls out to a boy called John as he explores the village of Scatterbrook with his sister Susan after they arrive from a foster home.
‘Mr Braithewaite? We have been sent from the foster home,’ John exclaims in the clip.
Worzel is also seen retrieving John’s lost phone from the field as John tells his sister: ‘That scarecrow, he came here last night and brought back my phone.’
Upon returning it, he asks: ‘Who are you?’
The turnip-headed figure introduces himself by saying: ‘I’s Worzel Gummidge. Welcome to Scatterbrook.’
As the trailer comes to a close, a voice is heard warning him: ‘Talking to humans is not allowed and that’s the way it’s always been.’
The TV adaptation last aired in 1987 with actor Jon Pertwee as Worzel.
A source told Metro.co.uk: ‘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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