Merchant explained the dark twist: “I thought, if we're doing a third series and there's a thriller element to it, we should have a dead body. If there's no dead body, I'm not going to watch it.”
“That was the starting point. But I had no idea whose body it was or why it was in the series. So I spent weeks figuring out why it was there and what to do with it.”
He added: “And part of the fun is [was] “The starting point was the idea that people who aren't actual criminals have to dispose of bodies… that ordinary people living in the suburbs have to deal with something as serious as burying a body.”
Similar
Read on for everything you need to know about The Outlaws Season 3.
Outlaws season 3 release date
Stephen Merchant stars in The Outlaws. BBC/Big Talk/Alistair Heap
The Outlaws season 3 premieres tonight, Thursday 30 May 2024 at 9pm on BBC One. Alternatively, you can stream every episode now on BBC iPlayer.
Speaking about the show's revival, Merchant said that while he initially believed the show should end “quickly” (see: The Office UK and Extras), he now finds a “thrill” in returning time and again and taking the characters in new directions.
However, he said he wasn't sure if The Outlaws would continue beyond season three, and gave himself the “option” to end it here, but told fans he “can't say never” about the possibility of a return.
Outlaws Season 3 cast: new and returning cast members
The Outlaws stars Gamba Cole, Eleanor Tomlinson, Stephen Merchant, Lianne Barrett, Jessica Gunning, Charles Babalola, Darren Boyd and Claire Perkins. BBC / Big Talk / Alistair Heap
Fans will be happy to hear that most of The Outlaws' cast will be returning for the (presumably) series finale, led by Lianne Barrett and Gamba Cole, who play estranged lovers Lani and Ben, often described as the “heart” of the show.
The ensemble cast also includes creator Stephen Merchant as the down-on-his-luck lawyer Greg and Eleanor Tomlinson as Lady Gabby, an influential socialite and recovering drug addict.
Claire Perkins returns as the tireless activist Myrna, Patrick Robinson (Granite Harbor) joins the cast as Myrna's boyfriend Sean, and Darren Boyd's John will once again serve as Myrna's comedic foil.
“Baby Reindeer” breakout star Jessica Gunning returns as aspiring police officer Diane, while Grace Calder (“Too Close”) reprises her role as reluctant idol Detective Inspector Lucy Haines.
Other familiar faces in The Outlaws' cast include Claes Bang as drug lord Dean, Charles Babalola as ex-dealer Christian, Kojo Kamara as Haynes' partner DS Cellforce, and Richard E. Grant as Gaby's ruthless father, the Earl of Gloucestershire.
Another new addition to season three is Harry Trevaldwin ( Ten Percent ) as Stan, Diane's esteemed assistant.
Unfortunately, Hollywood legend Christopher Walken's role has been significantly scaled back this season to just one special appearance due to the SAG strike and his busy schedule.
When we last see Walken's sophisticated hustler Frank, he's preparing to leave his family in Bristol at the request of his daughter Margaret (Dolly Wells), lying to his grandson that it was his choice.
The Outlaws Season 3 synopsis: What's it about?
Gamba Cole and Lianne Barrett, The Outlaws Season 3. BBC / Big Talk / Alistair Heap
The last chapter ended impressively with Rani (Lianne Barrett) abandoning her boyfriend Ben (Gamba Cole) in Weston-super-Mare and running away, breaking his heart.
Meanwhile, Greg impulsively quits his job to start dating, and Gabby (Eleanor Tomlinson) joins a support group to overcome her drug addiction, and fans will no doubt be intrigued to see where the show takes them next.
Season 3 begins some time later, with the gang completing their community service obligations, when suddenly Lani returns with a body in her car, ready to dispose of it.
How it got there is unclear, and the group begins to suspect their increasingly erratic friend, but she isn't the only one they have to worry about: the Dean (Claes Bang) is plotting revenge for their involvement in his arrest.
Outlaws Season 3 Trailer
The BBC has released a short 30-second teaser for the latest season of The Outlaws, watch it now:
Or, watch the longer version of the new episode on Prime Video, the show's international broadcaster. Watch it here:
The Outlaws seasons 1-3 are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
To find out what's on tonight, check out our comedy features or our TV and streaming guides. For more from TV's biggest stars, listen to the Radio Times podcast.