Law and DISORDER!

STEPHEN MERCHANT on the return of his band of criminals

- CAREN CLARK

THE OUTLAWS

NEW SUNDAY, 9PM, BBC1 COMEDY (BOX SET, BBC IPLAYER)

When BBC1's star-spangled comedy thriller The Outlaws burst onto our screens last October, we quickly took its motley crew of Bristol-based offenders carrying out community service to our hearts.

Now, the magnificent seven are back to continue their sentences and cement their growing friendships in a much-anticipated second series, co-written again by The Office creator Stephen Merchant, who also plays awkward lawyer and convicted criminal Greg.

The last run ended with the group joining forces to protect one of their own, after troubled Christian (Gamba Cole) became embroiled with a vicious gang and stole a bag of dodgy money.

But in the new six-parter, they find themselves under even greater pressure as they're drawn further into the clutches of ruthless crime lord The Dean (Claes Bang), who is eager to retrieve the cash!

TV Times caught up with Stephen, 47, to learn more...

What reaction did you get to the first series?