Robin Hood returns to TV screens 'with a bit of street'

The swashbuckling adventures of Robin Hood will return to British televisions this autumn in a new Saturday night series.

Filming starts today on the BBC show billed as fun, modern and intelligent. The lead role will be taken by Jonas Armstrong, a newcomer, with supporting roles for Keith Allen as the Sheriff of Nottingham, Lucy Griffiths as Marian and Richard Armitage as Guy of Gisborne, the Sheriff's sadistic lieutenant.

Armstrong, speaking from Budapest where the show is being filmed, said: "We've come up with something cool that's both modern and medieval, with a bit of street.

"He's a total legend. I'm privileged to play a character that is known and loved by millions."

Robin's gang will feature Gordon Kennedy as Little John, Harry Lloyd as Will Scarlett and Joe Armstrong as Allan-a-Dale.

The story of the outlaw of Sherwood Forest and his merry men has been a television favourite for decades.

Michael Praed starred in Robin of Sherwood in the 1980s and was later succeeded by Jason Connery, son of the James Bond star Sir Sean Connery.

In the 1950s, the popular Adventures of Robin Hood ran for five years with actor Richard Greene in the title role.

On the big screen, Robin Hood has been played by a host of stars, including Kevin Costner, Errol Flynn and Douglas Fairbanks.