The Larkins might not be returning for a third season (Picture: ITV/Nicky Johnston/REX)

It may have proved a huge hit when it was first released, but disappointing ratings for the second season of The Larkins have left its future under a cloud.

An adaptation of the H. E. Bates novel The Darling Buds of May, the series is set in rural 1950s Kent and revolve around the life of Pop (Bradley Walsh) and Ma (Joanna Scanlan) Larkin and their six children.

The first episode of the first season drew in 4.8million viewers, however the premiere episode of the second season in October was only watched by 2.9million.

The sharp decline in ratings seems to have left the show’s future in doubt now, as well as rumours of a rift between core cast members.

‘The Larkins is going to be dropped in the new year — the writing is on the wall,’ a source told The Sun.

‘The ratings for series two were disappointingly low and cast disagreements on set have been an ongoing problem for the production team.’

The Larkins is based on the classic novel The Darling Buds of May by H.E. Bates (Picture: ITV/Nicky Johnston/REX/Shutterstock)

The source also referenced an apparent feud between Sabrina Bartlett, who played eldest daughter Mariette Larkin and Tok Stephen, who plays her love interest Cedric ‘Charley’ Charlton.

After Sabrina left the series, she was replaced by Joella Rae in the second season.

While her publicist said her decision to leave the show so abruptly was due to ‘scheduling clashes’, it was reported at the time that it was down to an on-set disagreement.

Sabrina left the show after one season (Picture: ITV)

‘Sabrina’s issue with Tok and her decision to leave, was a massive problem for the bosses. But there have also been other disagreements,’ the source added.

The original Darling Buds of May series aired from 1991 to 1993 on ITV and launched the career of Catherine Zeta Jones.

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The Sun also reported that another source confirmed there were currently no plans for a third series to be filmed.

The Larkins is streaming on ITV.

Metro.co.uk contacted ITV for comment.

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‘The ratings were disappointly low.’