The Outlaws creator Stephen Merchant has explained Christopher Walken's absence in season three of the hit BBC drama.
The Hollywood actor, who plays veteran criminal Frank, was part of the main cast for seasons one and two but has a reduced role in the latest series.
Speaking to HELLO! and other press ahead of the new season, Stephen, who portrays divorcee lawyer Greg, revealed that Christopher's smaller role was due to the impact of the actors' strike in America, as well as the star's other projects.
"Although [the strike] didn't impact us directly, it did impact American actors and they weren't allowed to come over during that," explained Stephen. "That hit right when we were filming. That did make life rather tricky but he's back."
© Big Talk/David Scott HollowayHe added: "It was hard to fit him in with all the other things he's doing and the strike."
From July to November last year, the actors' union SAG-AFTRA was on strike over a labour dispute with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which resulted in most Hollywood film and television productions being shut down.
© Big Talk/David Scott Holloway/BBCLike many American actors, Christopher was unable to work during the strike and so would have missed out on filming parts of series three.
The 81-year-old has also been busy with other projects, including Dune: Part Two, the sequel to the sci-fi/adventure movie starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya.
While he may have a reduced role in season three, first-look images suggest that Frank is working in a café in the new episodes. Although, further details about his character's story arc have been kept under wraps.
© Big Talk/Alistair Heap/BBCFor those unfamiliar with the show, it follows a group of seven strangers who are thrown together to complete a community payback sentence in Bristol.
In the new episodes, we find crime boss The Dean behind bars and awaiting trial, while the outlaws are hurled back into mortal danger after one of the group reveals a deadly secret.
© Alistair Heap/Big Talk/BBCThe synopsis continues: "As a murder manhunt closes in on the gang, can they prove their innocence before The Dean's case collapses, and he comes looking for revenge?"
Starring alongside Stephen and Christopher in the comedy-drama are Rhianne Barreto as Rani, Gamba Coleas Ben, Darren Boyd as John, Clare Perkins as Myrna, Jessica Gunning as Diane, and Eleanor Tomlinson as Lady Gabby.
© Big Talk/Alistair Heap/BBCRounding out the cast are Charles Babalola as Malaki and Tom Hanson as Spencer.
The Outlaws returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Thursday 30 May.
