Mackenzie Crook is unrecognisable in Worzel Gummidge as BBC reveals first look at remake

Well, I’ll be bum-swizzled… Worzel Gummidge has had quite a makeover for his TV comeback.

Actor Mackenzie Crook is unrecognisable as the scarecrow as the classic children’s character returns on BBC1.

The 47-year-old, who was in The Office and Detectorists, also wrote and directed the two 60-minute films, out soon.

He said: “I’m thrilled to be working with the BBC to bring Worzel Gummidge to a new generation.”

Shane Allen, BBC controller of comedy commissioning, added that the actor’s “visionary” reinterpretation is “a family-friendly comedy”.

The show is not a reboot of the original series, but a contemporary adaptation of the original books.

The 47-year-old, who was in The Office and Detectorists, wrote and directed the two 60-minute films, out soon (WireImage)

Doctor Who star Jon Pertwee played Worzel on ITV from 1977 to 1981 and C4 from 1987 to 1989 (PA)

Doctor Who star Jon Pertwee played Worzel on ITV from 1977 to 1981 and C4 from 1987 to 1989.

Worzel famously had a set of interchangeable heads, made from turnip, swede and other things, with each one giving him a special skilll.

The books were adapted for radio and TV a number of times, but the incarnation with Pertwee was the best known.