‘They've all roken the rules'

Stephen Merchant on how his parents inspired his star-spangled new series

- CAREN CLARK

When he was growing up, Stephen Merchant was always intrigued by his parents’ challenging but rewarding jobs supervising community service for offenders.

Now, the actor, writer and comedian, who co-created The Office, is exploring that complex world in his brand-new comedy-drama The Outlaws, starting on BBC1 this week.

The six-parter, which Stephen has written and directed, sees him play mild-mannered lawyer Greg, who, following a misdemeanour, is sentenced to carry out Community Payback in Bristol.

Renovating a derelict community centre alongside Greg is an eclectic mix of fellow lawbreakers including serial crook Frank (Hollywood legend Christopher Walken) and posh influencer Gabby (Poldark’s Eleanor Tomlinson), while no-nonsense supervisor Diane (Back’s Jessica Gunning) watches their every move.

But when one of the group gets into trouble with a dangerous local gang, unlikely friendships are forged as they join forces to protect them.

TV Times caught up with Stephen, 46, to find out more…

How did your parents’ work inspire this series?

They’d tell me about the people they met, like a lonely guy who stole cabbages from allotments to get community service because he liked the social aspect. Bingo would be easier!

But they’d renovate a play area or community hall and there was a sense of accomplishment. My mum felt proud and I’m sure the people doing it did, too.