The Larkins The first episode may not have aired yet, but the cast has revealed that there will already be a Christmas special.

A restart of The favourites of the month of May The series is based on the novels by HE Bates, stars Bradley Walsh and Joanna Scanlan as Pop and Ma Larkin, and will air on ITV this Christmas.

Read more: The Larkins introduce themselves before the series launch

However, Scanlan hinted that the special episode might not follow the predictable, cozy, family-friendly Christmas story that viewers might expect.

She said: “I think you think you know what you’re going to get, but I don’t think you’re going to get what you think you’re going to get in this Christmas special.”

“I won’t say a specific word, but there are many twists and turns in it.”

The Moving forward Star added: “But I think it really reminds you what Christmas is all about, what it’s really about, and of course I hope it brings you lots of laughter and joy along the way.”

“But there is a catch, to say the least.”

Walsh added that while he was hoping for a second series of the ITV drama, he feared he would have to do without Ma Larkin’s lavish double-page spreads, and admitted that he “gained three stone” while filming the first series.

Of a second season, he said: “Well, to be honest, it would be great, but I can’t keep buying new, bigger clothes. We have to cut back on food a little bit.”

Read more: Why Bradley Walsh turned it down Strictly “several times”

“We now have to live somewhere by the sea and eat a Mediterranean diet.”

Original adaptation from the 90s The favourites of the month of May The film starred David Jason and Pam Ferris as the Larkin parents, and Catherine Zeta-Jones became a star as their daughter – a role now played by Bridgerton‘s Sabrina Bartlett.

The Larkins begins on Sunday 10 October at 8pm on ITV.

Watch: Bradley Walsh plans to retire “in a few years”