Robin...the hoodie man

He wears a hoodie and is a self-styled outlaw who carries offensive weapons and hangs around with a group of 'merry' men. These days, he'd be a prime candidate for an Asbo.

But the latest screen version of Robin Hood will escape the clutches of the law to star in a new BBC series.

This is the first picture of the corporation's medieval hero, played by TV newcomer Jonas Armstrong.

The story of the outlaw of Sherwood Forest and his merry men has been a TV favourite for years. Yet the BBC's £8million series, which started filming yesterday, will mark the first time in five decades that the corporation has tackled the 800-year-old legend.

Armstrong, who apparently beat singer Robbie Williams to the role, said: 'I think we've come up with something cool that's both modern and medieval, with a bit of street. I've even got a hoodie. I'm privileged to play a character that is loved by millions.'

The Irish actor, based in Lancashire, graduated from drama school just two-anda-half years ago.

His predecessors in the role include Kevin Costner, Errol Flynn and Jason Connery - son of Sir Sean.

The BBC cast on set in Budapest, Hungary, includes Keith Allen as the Sheriff of Nottingham, Lucy Griffiths as Marian and Richard Armitage as Guy of Gisborne, the sadistic bounty hunter. The series will run on BBC1 for 13 weeks in the autumn.