Robin Hood returns to British TV

Jonas Armstrong's Robin Hood will reportedly wear a "hoodie"

Legendary folk hero Robin Hood and his Merrie Men will return this autumn in an £8m BBC One series, with newcomer Jonas Armstrong in the title role.

Speaking from Budapest where the show is being filmed, the actor said he was "privileged to play a character that is known and loved by millions".

"I think we've come up with something cool that's both modern and medieval."

Will Scarlett, Allan-a-Dale and Little John will also return - though there is no room for Friar Tuck.

The cast includes Keith Allen as the Sheriff of Nottingham, 19-year-old Lucy Griffiths as Maid Marian and Sam Troughton as Robin's manservant Much.

'Exhilarating'

The actor's grandfather, Doctor Who star Patrick Troughton, played Robin Hood in a 1953 BBC TV series.

Other actors to have played the role include Errol Flynn, Kevin Costner, Richard Greene and Michael Praed.

Patrick Troughton played the legendary outlaw in 1953

BBC One controller Peter Fincham said Armstrong - previously seen in Channel 4 drama Teachers - "looks the business" as the latest incarnation of the swashbuckling hero.

"This exciting drama will be a unique blend of exhilarating action adventure, wit and romance - something for all the family."

The 13-part series - written by Dominic Minghella, brother of Oscar-winning director Anthony - is being made by independent production company Tiger Aspect with financial assistance from BBC America, the BBC's US cable channel.

It will be broadcast in the same Saturday evening BBC One timeslot as Doctor Who, which became a ratings hit last year by attracting a family audience.