ITV and ITVX have commissioned a gripping new thriller series titled “Out There,” featuring renowned actors Martin Clunes and Louis Ashbourne Serkis. The six-part drama, written by Ed Whitmore and directed by Marc Evans, delves into the harrowing world of county lines drug dealing and an escalating crime wave infiltrating rural Britain.
The plot revolves around Martin Clunes’ character, a farmer named Nathan Williams, who finds himself confronting dark and insidious forces encroaching upon his idyllic rural community. As the story unfolds, viewers will witness the stealthy incursion of crime into the land Nathan cherishes, with far-reaching consequences. His livelihood, family life, and homestead are all imperiled by local county lines drug dealers—urban gangs using the British countryside as their operational territory for moving drugs and money between inner-city hubs and provincial regions.
Martin Clunes, well-known for his role in “Doc Martin,” expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “Out There couldn’t be more different from Doc Martin. It’s pretty dark, but definitely a story worth telling.”
ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill, commissioned the series, which will premiere on ITV1 and be available for streaming on ITVX. Hill praised “Out There” as a “brilliantly compelling drama” that explores how county lines drug dealing becomes a harsh reality for a father and son already grappling with the challenges of running a farm.
The drama tackles the pressing issue of county lines, a particularly brutal form of drug dealing that exploits fear and violence to coerce young individuals, often vulnerable, into becoming runners and dealers. As this problem continues to escalate across the UK, “Out There” presents a timely narrative.
The series is set against the picturesque backdrop of the Welsh countryside, and filming is currently underway. Joining Martin Clunes and Louis Ashbourne Serkis are a talented cast, including Mark Lewis Jones, Natalia Kostrzewa, Carly-Sophia Davies, and Gerran Howell.
“Out There” is produced by Buffalo Pictures, the team behind successful series like “Manhunt” and “Doc Martin,” ensuring high-quality production standards. The drama aims to shed light on the hidden world of county lines and the clash between rural tranquility and urban crime.
With its engaging storyline and compelling performances, “Out There” promises to captivate audiences while shedding light on pressing societal issues. The drama underscores the importance of telling such stories and sparking discussions about the challenges faced by rural communities in the face of evolving criminal threats.
