Oscar-winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones landed her breakout role in the 1990s ITV comedy-drama "The Darling Buds of May" due to "pure good fortune," according to Pip Burley, the show's producer. Burley recalled encountering Zeta-Jones by chance in a casting session waiting room, leading to her audition for the part of Mariette.
Burley, who also composed the series' theme song, explained that he spotted Zeta-Jones, then relatively unknown, while she was in the building for a different light entertainment program. Impressed by her presence, he invited her to audition for Mariette, a role that would significantly boost her career. "She was a lovely girl, and very smart," Burley told BBC Radio Wales, noting he had previously seen her perform as a second understudy in the musical "42nd Street."
In addition to Zeta-Jones's pivotal role, Burley also revealed other unexpected casting considerations for the series. American actor Danny DeVito was once considered for the role of Pop Larkin, a character ultimately played by David Jason.
"The Darling Buds of May" aired in the 1990s and became a popular hit for ITV. Zeta-Jones's performance as Mariette, the eldest daughter of the Larkin family, brought her significant recognition and paved the way for her later success in Hollywood, including an Academy Award for her role in "Chicago."