Actress Joelle Rae will replace Sabrina Bartlett in ITV’s The Larkins

ACTRESS Joelle Rae will replace Sabrina Bartlett in ITV’s The Larkins when the comedy drama returns this year.

Bosses have been searching for a replacement for Sabrina, 30, since she quit as eldest Larkin daughter Mariette in the Darling Buds of May adaptation.

And sources last night confirmed that Joelle, 21, has now landed the role – which famously launched Catherine Zeta-Jones’s career.

A production source said: “Sabrina will be really missed by everyone this year.

“But Joelle really impressed the casting producers in her audition – she captured the role instantly, and it was easy to see how she would fit into the cast.

“Joelle is thrilled to have won the part and can’t wait to begin filming later this month.”

Lincolnshire-born Joelle trained at the BAFTA winning charity Television Workshop alongside Lydia Page, who plays Larkin daughter Primrose.

Other previous alumni include Jack O’Connell, Vicky McClure and Samantha Morton.

She has appeared in a cameo role in Emmerdale, playing a wayward teenager who tempts Liv Flaherty (Isobel Steele) into boozing.

More recently she has starred as Jemima in Netflix TV thriller Get Even.

The recast came after it emerged in February that Bridgerton star Sabrina had quit The Larkins – which drew in five million viewers for its first series.

Sabrina’s decision came after scheduling clashes.

The Sun on Sunday revealed last month that actresses Synnove Karlsen and Olivia Cooke had both been named as potential replacements.

But it was Joelle who won the role.

She will join returning cast members including stars Bradley Walsh and Joanna Scanlan – who play Ma and Pop Larkin in the popular series.