Sabrina Bartlett 'could be replaced as Mariette in The Larkins cast by Olivia Cooke or Synnove Karlsen'
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The Larkins series 2 cast changes as Sabrina Bartlett exits

ITV bosses looking to recast ahead of upcoming series two rehearsals

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The Larkins cast could see changes in series 2 after Sabrina Bartlett quit as Mariette Larkin.

Sabrina, 30, exited the ITV drama reboot of The Darling Buds of May earlier this year.

Reports at the time claimed there was a “sensitive disagreement on set” during the first run of the series also starring Bradley Walsh and Joanna Scanlan.

However, her publicist suggested “scheduling conflicts” were the reason from her departure from the role originally made famous by Catherine Zeta Jones.

Sabrina Bartlett with Tok Stephen as Charlie
Sabrina Bartlett with Tok Stephen as Charley (Credit: ITV)

The Larkins series 2: Who will replace Sabrina Bartlett as Mariette Larkin?

Sabrina leaving reportedly left producers tasked with recasting her part ahead of second series script readings at the end of April.

And according to The Sun, two actresses are tipped as being in contention.

They are reportedly Olivia Cooke, 28, and Synnove Karlsen, 25.

Read more: The Larkins star QUITS show following ‘disagreement on set’

A TV insider said: “The two names most strongly linked to the role are Synnove and Olivia.

“They are seen as the frontrunners to replace Sabrina.

It’s easy to see how they have become contenders.

“They are very talented actresses, so it’s easy to see how they have become contenders.”

Could Olivia Cooke join The Larkins cast as the family's eldest daughter Mariette?
Could Olivia Cooke join The Larkins cast as the family’s eldest daughter Mariette? (Credit: ITV News YouTube)

Where have you seen the possible new Mariette actresses before?

Olivia, born in Oldham, played Becky Sharp in ITV’s 2018 adaptation of Vanity Fair.

She starred alongside Claudia Jessie, Johnny Flynn, Martin Clunes and Michael Palin in the miniseries.

Olivia also played Emma Decody in US horror drama Bates Motel and also appeared in Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One.

Synnove Karlsen is also tipped for the role
Synnove Karlsen was in Last Night in Soho (Credit: BBC iPlayer)

Scottish actress Synnove meanwhile played Holly McStay in BBC Three’s Clique.

And she has also performed as Clarice Orsini in Netflix’s Medici: Masters of Florence.

Film fans may also recognise her from 2021’s Last Night in Soho as Hurricane Jocasta.

Read more: The Larkins on ITV1: Who plays Mariette Larkin? Is Sabrina Bartlett in Bridgerton season 2?

Despite the claims, a representative for Synnove told MailOnline she has not been approached about the role in The Larkins.

And an ITV spokesperson reportedly commented: “This is speculation as there’s no news presently on casting.”

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Robert Leigh
Freelance writer