The Outlaws cast 'thrilled' to return to Bristol

The cast of The Outlaws have reflected on their "incredible" experience filming the new series in Bristol.

Stephen Merchant, who co-created the comedy thriller and stars in the show, said he was "thrilled" to return to his home city for production.

The series follows seven strangers from different walks of life who are forced together to complete a community payback sentence.

And Jessica Gunning, who plays character Dianne Pemberley, said "Bristol feels like a character in the show".

"I'm so pleased that we got to use so many exterior locations to really kind of capture the essence of [the city], because it's such a vibrant, arty place," she added.

Gunning was joined by cast members Rhianne Barreto and Gamba Cole at a Creative Cities Convention panel held at The Bristol Beacon.

Barreto, who plays Rani Rekowski, said the diversity within the cast is "beautiful".

"It’s so profoundly important", she said.

"It feels like there’s something for everyone and there’s a place for everyone. Everyone belongs somewhere," she added.

The Outlaws received an "overwhelming response" from audiences, Stephen Merchant said

Last year, the cast and crew were seen filming in the Bristol Harbour area, as well as in Clifton and along the seafront in nearby Weston-super-Mare.

Merchant said he was "delighted to be bringing back our lovable band of miscreants for more misadventures" in the third series.

"Audiences have really taken the characters to their hearts, so I can’t wait for them to see what hot water we’ve thrown them into this time," he added.

The cast also includes Darren Boyd, Clare Perkins, Eleanor Tomlinson, Jessica Gunning, Carles Babalola, Tom Hanson and Christopher Walken.

Series three returns to BBC One and iPlayer in May.