Martin Clunes is set to thrill viewers once again in a gripping new ITV drama, Out There, where he confronts the dark world of drug trafficking.
Taking on the role of Welsh farmer Nathan Williams, Clunes’ character is battling to secure the future of his farm and the local community.
He also faces personal turmoil as his teenage son Johnny (Louis Ashbourne Serkis) becomes entangled with an old friend turned drug dealer, Rhys (Gerran Howell).
As Nathan grapples with the threat of County Lines drug operations encroaching on his land and community, viewers are drawn into a tale of family, loss, and resilience.
ITV has confirmed that the series will make its debut at 9pm on Sunday, January 19 on ITV1, and for those eager to binge-watch, the entire series will be simultaneously available on ITVX.
With Martin Clunes at the helm, the drama boasts a stellar cast featuring familiar faces from hit shows like Game of Thrones, Outlander, and Ludwig.
Cast of Out There in full
Out There is a gripping new ITV drama starting Louis Ashbourne Serkis as Johnny opposite Martin Clunes as his dad Nathan (Image: ITV)
Martin Clunes as Nathan
In the lead role, Martin Clunes portrays Nathan, a widowed father grappling with the challenges of single parenthood and managing a farm. His life is further complicated when he learns of his son’s dangerous connection to the local narcotics scene.
Clunes shared about his character: “Nathan Williams is a single parent with a teenage son, and they rub along just fine, but there is a cloud of grief over the house following the death of his wife Sabine.
“Things are not great because they are on that journey of grief. But there is a normality, there is the rhythm to the working day because of the needs of the animals on the farm, which keeps Nathan on his toes.
Martin Clunes acknowledged the duality of his character’s situation, saying, “At the same time he is mindful of his teenage boy, and to make sure he is heading in the right direction, and there is a normality to that.”
Now 63, Clunes is a stalwart of British television, boasting a storied career in shows like Doc Martin, Men Behaving Badly, Reggie Perrin, and his travel documentaries for ITV.
Martin Clunes as Nathan Williams in Out There (Image: )
Louis Ashbourne Serkis as Johnny Williams
Louis Ashbourne Serkis portrays Johnny Williams, Nathan’s teenage son who becomes entangled in the illicit drug operation.
Reflecting on his character, Louis noted: “Johnny in some ways is just a regular teenager. He is into his sports, keen computer gamer, he is an achieved swimmer.
“Something terrible has happened to both of them which has completely shaken up their lives ,and I feel like they still desperately trying to get over it in any way they can.
“He is extremely loyal to those he loves, he is devoted and very ‘true’ hearted, so very pure at heart.”
As the son of renowned actor and director Andy Serkis, Louis has also appeared in The Queen’s Gambit, Taboo, Endeavour, and The Kid Who Would Be King.
Actor Louis Ashbourne Serkis is staring as Johnny Williams in new ITV drama Out There (Image: ITV)
Mark Lewis Jones as Caleb Williams
Mark Lewis Jones plays Nathan’s brother, Caleb Williams, a local resident who grew up on the family farm but felt like an outcast.
The Welsh actor offered insight into his character, stating, “Caleb Williams is Martin’s character’s brother. They were born on a farm in the border country of Wales.
“Caleb always felt he was the brother not taken seriously. The brother who was left out, and lost his way a bit.
“Then he went into the Royal Marines, and saw a lot of action. I think he would have seen a lot of trauma and I guess would have been traumatised by it.”
The Welsh actor has previously graced our screens as DI Russell Bing in 55 Degrees North, with other roles including Baby Reindeer, The Reckoning, Outlander and Gangs of London.
Natalia Kostrzewa as Eva Bartosz
Eva Bartosz is a cleaner who travelled to England chasing her ex-boyfriend, who owes her money. She also forms a bond with the Williams family.
Audiences may recognise Natalia from Fool Me Once, Dark Heart as well as smaller parts in Line of Duty and Save Me.
Gerran Howell as Rhys
Rhys is an old school friend of Johnny’s who has recently rekindled their friendship. He asks Johnny to keep a package for him and quickly becomes entangled in the drug operation.
Some viewers may remember him as Vladimir Dracula in the CBBC series Young Dracula, but he has expanded his career to include TV and film work in recent years.
He portrayed DC Simon Evans in Ludwig, Ernesto in The Sparticle Mystery, Emerald City and also starred as Kid Sampson in the -led Catch 22.
Gerran Howell as Rhys and Josef Altin as Kenny in Out There. (Image: ITV/Buffalo Pictures)
Carly-Sophia Davies as Sadie
Sadie is Rhys’ sister and the object of Johnny’s affections. Viewers will know her from The Eternal Daughter, Midsomer Murders and The Sin-Eater.
The wider cast of Out There includes:
- Jack Parry-Jones as DCI Neil Anderson
- Michael Obiora as Scott Foley
- Waj Ali as Khalad
- Akin Gazi as Cakir
- Atilla Akinci as Hakan
- Josef Altin as Kenny