Worzel Gummidge, the beloved scarecrow from British children's fiction, is set to return to television this Christmas in two one-hour specials on BBC One. Written and starring Mackenzie Crook, the programmes aim to deliver a strong environmental message while maintaining a light-hearted and humorous tone.
Crook, who also starred in the BBC Four series Detectorists, describes Worzel as a 'guardian of the natural world'. The episodes touch on the climate crisis and plastic pollution, with Crook emphasising the importance of reducing single-use plastic. He hopes the message is subtle and not preachy, noting that children are already engaged with environmental issues.
The cast includes Steve Pemberton, Rosie Cavaliero, Zoe Wanamaker, and Vicki Pepperdine as Aunt Sally, a role that differs from the original portrayal by Una Stubbs. Sir Michael Palin appears as the Green Man, the creator of all scarecrows, and praises the programmes as an 'oasis of calm' in contrast to fast-paced modern television.
Unlike the original series, Crook's Gummidge has a single wooden head with a brain made of conkers, and the stories are updated from Barbara Euphan Todd's 1930s books. The specials will air on Boxing Day and 27 December, with Crook expressing hope for more episodes in the future.
