The Outlaws, created by Stephen Merchant and Elgin James, is a standout BBC comedy-drama that fuses humor, crime, and emotional depth. Set in Bristol, the show brings together a mismatched group of strangers completing community service. The driving force behind its success is its dynamic, diverse, and brilliantly cast ensemble.
At BritainWrites, we’ve explored each cast member in detail to help fans and new viewers alike understand why this ensemble works so well. From Hollywood icons to rising UK stars, this breakdown showcases what each actor brings to the table.
Christopher Walken as Frank Sheldon
Among the Cast of The Outlaws, Christopher Walken is the most internationally recognized name. He plays Frank Sheldon, a retired con artist attempting to repair his relationship with his daughter while serving community service. Walken’s iconic delivery adds depth to a role that mixes criminal charm with emotional vulnerability.
- Known for: The Deer Hunter, Catch Me If You Can
- Character type: World-weary, cunning, regretful
- Unique fact: Walken’s first lead in a British series
Walken’s portrayal adds global star power and a grounded, heartfelt presence to the show.
- Known for: The Deer Hunter, Catch Me If You Can, Pulp Fiction
- Role: A sly but soft-hearted former criminal
- Fun fact: This was Walken’s first major role in a British TV series
Walken’s portrayal of Frank adds unexpected tenderness to the character, making him both comedic and touching.
Stephen Merchant as Greg Dillard
Stephen Merchant not only co-created the series but also stars as Greg Dillard, an awkward and painfully shy solicitor. Greg is sentenced to community service after a public indecency offense, and his personal journey is one of the most relatable in the show.
- Known for: The Office (UK), Extras, Hello Ladies
- Role: A lonely lawyer with social anxiety and deep insecurities
- Creator credit: Merchant also writes and directs multiple episodes
Greg’s storyline is often both cringe-inducing and deeply moving, and Merchant’s self-deprecating performance hits the right balance.
Rhianne Barreto as Rani Rekowski
Rhianne Barreto plays Rani, a gifted student from a strict immigrant family. After being caught shoplifting, she’s sentenced to community service. Her storyline explores rebellion, cultural expectations, and identity crisis.
- Known for: Hanna, Honour
- Character traits: Intelligent, impulsive, emotionally conflicted
- Performance: Barreto brings complexity to Rani’s coming-of-age arc
As the youngest in the group, Rani adds a generational contrast that enriches the dynamic of the cast.
Gamba Cole as Christian Taylor (Ben Eastfield)
Gamba Cole plays Christian, a protective older brother using a false identity to escape gang affiliations. His calm demeanor hides a life filled with danger, loyalty, and difficult choices.
- Known for: Guerrilla, Hanna
- Background: Christian is on the run from a dangerous past
- Relationship arc: His bond with Rani adds emotional weight to the storyline
Cole’s understated performance adds credibility and emotional grounding to the show’s more dramatic moments.
Darren Boyd as John Halloran
Darren Boyd plays John Halloran, a disgraced businessman caught in a racism scandal. His struggle with public image, family expectations, and personal guilt provides an ongoing moral dilemma within the group.
- Known for: Spy, Killing Eve, Green Wing
- Character profile: Conservative, prideful, and forced to confront change
- Story impact: John’s arc mirrors real-world issues of privilege and bias
Boyd brings both satire and sincerity to a character audiences love to hate—and sometimes sympathize with.
Clare Perkins as Myrna Okeke
Clare Perkins takes on the role of Myrna, a former radical activist. Now older and haunted by her past, Myrna uses community service as a chance to make amends and rediscover purpose.
- Known for: EastEnders, Secrets & Lies
- Role traits: Fiercely intelligent, morally conflicted, idealistic
- Dramatic depth: Her internal struggle adds gravitas to the ensemble
Myrna often challenges other characters’ motives, making her a voice of conscience in the group.
Eleanor Tomlinson as Lady Gabriella Penrose-Howe
Eleanor Tomlinson plays Lady Gabby, a socialite and former reality star sentenced after a drunken scandal. Her entitlement and cluelessness offer comic relief but also develop into genuine character growth.
- Known for: Poldark, The Nevers
- Character shift: From influencer to introspective outsider
- Added value: Her arc surprises viewers with unexpected emotional depth
Tomlinson’s portrayal of privilege evolving into self-awareness is one of the show’s most entertaining transformations.
Jessica Gunning as Diane Pemberley
Jessica Gunning stars as Diane, the overly intense community service officer. Obsessed with rules and control, Diane provides consistent comedic energy while occasionally revealing her own insecurities.
- Known for: Pride, Back, White Heat
- Character tone: Comically strict, socially awkward, and a little delusional
- Standout scenes: Diane’s patrols and interrogations are comedic highlights
Gunning balances slapstick and subtle humor to deliver some of the series’ funniest moments.
Nina Wadia as Shanthi Rekowski
Nina Wadia plays Shanthi, Rani’s traditional and overbearing mother. She represents the generational and cultural pressures faced by Rani and delivers moments of both frustration and heart.
- Known for: Goodness Gracious Me, EastEnders
- Cultural influence: Shanthi brings immigrant family dynamics into sharp focus
- Narrative weight: Her confrontations with Rani are emotionally charged
Wadia’s performance adds authenticity and emotional complexity to Rani’s backstory.
Main Cast Summary Table
| Actor | Character | Notable Credits | Character Summary |
| Christopher Walken | Frank Sheldon | Pulp Fiction, Catch Me | Aging conman seeking redemption |
| Stephen Merchant | Greg Dillard | The Office, Extras | Awkward lawyer hiding deep loneliness |
| Rhianne Barreto | Rani Rekowski | Hanna, Honour | High-achiever turned rebel |
| Gamba Cole | Christian Taylor | Guerrilla, Hanna | Ex-gang member protecting his sister |
| Darren Boyd | John Halloran | Spy, Killing Eve | Disgraced businessman facing backlash |
| Clare Perkins | Myrna Okeke | EastEnders, Secrets & Lies | Former radical with unresolved guilt |
| Eleanor Tomlinson | Lady Gabby Penrose | Poldark, The Nevers | Spoiled influencer seeking identity |
| Jessica Gunning | Diane Pemberley | Pride, Back | Overzealous officer with a quirky side |
| Nina Wadia | Shanthi Rekowski | EastEnders, Goodness Gracious Me | Strict mother with traditional values |
How the Cast Drives the Show’s Success
The success of The Outlaws depends heavily on its diverse and multi-layered cast. With a balance of comedic veterans, dramatic actors, and international stars, the series resonates across different demographics. Each actor brings authenticity to their role, and the ensemble chemistry keeps the plot engaging and believable.
Filmed in Bristol, the gritty urban setting adds realism, while the diverse casting reflects contemporary British society.
Audience and Critical Response
The Outlaws has received widespread acclaim for both performance and writing. The cast, in particular, has been praised for elevating what could have been a typical redemption story.
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 92%
- Praise: Strong performances, believable character arcs, and smart humor
Christopher Walken’s presence draws global attention, while Stephen Merchant’s dry wit and writing give the show a distinctly British flavor.
Returning Cast in Season 3
Most original cast members returned for the third season, including:
- Stephen Merchant as Greg
- Christopher Walken as Frank
- Rhianne Barreto as Rani
- Gamba Cole as Christian
- Clare Perkins as Myrna
Their ongoing character development adds new depth to the show’s evolving narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the most famous actor in The Outlaws?
Christopher Walken is the most internationally recognized member of the cast, with a long and award-winning career in film.
Is The Outlaws based on real people?
No, the show is fictional. However, the characters are inspired by real-world social dynamics and stereotypes.
Where was the series filmed?
The series was filmed in Bristol, England, using real locations to enhance authenticity.
Will the full cast return for Season 4?
There’s no official confirmation yet, but the positive reception of Season 3 suggests most of the cast may return.
Final Thoughts: Why This Cast Works
The cast of The Outlaws brings together actors from different genres, generations, and cultural backgrounds to create something uniquely entertaining. From Walken’s seasoned charm to Barreto’s raw emotion and Gunning’s comedic timing, every role feels essential. Their performances turn a simple community service premise into one of the BBC’s most exciting and human-centered shows.
Whether you’re here for the humor, the social commentary, or the performances, the cast of The Outlaws delivers something for everyone.
