Slings and ARROWS

LAUREN MCQUEEN and JACK PATTEN on reimagining a classic outlaw tale

- STEVEN PERKINS

Prepare for daring deeds and epic escapades as sweeping new adventure Robin Hood puts a fresh twist on the legend of Nottingham's folklore hero. Launching with a double bill on MGM+ this week, the 10-episode origin story sees newcomer Jack Patten play Robert of Locksley, an ordinary man in 12th-century England whose life is changed forever when his family's ancestral home is seized, and his forester father is executed by the Sheriff of Nottingham (This City Is Ours actor Sean Bean).

Seeking vengeance, talented archer Rob rebels against the injustice that he and his fellow Saxons are subjected to, inspiring many others to join him - including fearless Marian (former Hollyoaks star Lauren McQueen), who defies her Norman family by falling in love with Rob and championing his cause. Here, Jack and Lauren give us their take on the series... Many films and TV shows have centred on Robin Hood over the years.

What sets this drama apart?

JACK We get to meet Rob before he is ‘Robin Hood’. You see him as a 24-year-old who is trying to find his way in life, and then we go further into the story and watch him transform into the rogue outlaw that we all know and love.