LAW DISORDER!

STEPHEN MERCHANT on the fresh challenges ahead as his comedy crime thriller returns

- CAREN CLARK

THE OUTLAWS
NEW THURSDAY, 9PM, BBC1 COMEDY (BOX SET, BBC IPLAYER)

On a sunny July day in the Gloucestershire market town of Cirencester, TV Times is observing a tense confrontation in a packed courthouse.

We've been invited to watch filming for the third series of BBC1's popular comedy The Outlaws, which catches up with the lovable group of Bristol-based smalltime offenders serving a Community Payback scheme.

In the scene being shot today, one of their number, bumbling lawyer Greg played by the show's co-writer Stephen Merchant - is representing his friend, recovering addict Lady Gabby (Eleanor Tomlinson), in a fierce legal battle with her formidable father, The Earl (Richard E. Grant).

"There's a bit of juice and it's satisfying seeing Greg in the courtroom out of his depth,' chuckles Stephen, 49, who also co-created hit BBC sitcom The Office, as we chat during a break. 'And Richard delivers put-downs majestically!" The fraught showdown is not the only issue facing the gang in the new five-part outing, however.

While Gabby has finished her community-service sentence, Greg and the others are still completing their hours at a city farm, under the watchful eye of supervisor Diane (Jessica Gunning).