The gritty reality of County Lines is set to be depicted in ITV’s new drama, Out There. The series features Martin Clunes as Welsh farmer Nathan Williams, who finds himself grappling with the future of his farm due to development agents.
However, his worries extend beyond his land when his teenage son Johnny (Louis Ashbourne Serkis), rekindles a friendship with local drug dealer Rhys (Gerran Howell) and becomes embroiled in his illegal activities. Nathan is then faced with the task of protecting his farm and community from the threat of County Lines drug operations.
Out There will make its debut at 9pm on Sunday, January 19 on ITV1, with the entire series available for streaming on ITVX on the same day. The show delves into the relatively recent phenomenon of County Lines, a system of drug supply and dealing that predominantly affects rural communities across the UK.
When creating the series, producers and cast of Out There conducted extensive research into County Lines, with retired Sussex Police Detective Inspector Bill Warner providing guidance to ITV researchers. But what exactly is County Lines, and how does this form of crime impact communities?
What is County Lines and how dangerous is it?
Gerran Howell as Rhys and Josef Altin as Kenny in Out There. (Image: ITV/Buffalo Pictures)
the National Police Chiefs’ Council defines County Line as a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into one or more importing areas within the UK using dedicated mobile phone lines or other forms of “deal line”.
County Lines exploitation, where ruthless drug dealers manipulate children and vulnerable adults into moving drugs and money with coercion, intimidation, and violence, is tormenting communities. These criminal networks often engage in “cuckooing,” taking over a property from a vulnerable resident to conduct their illegal operations.
The tell-tale signs of County Lines activity may include unexpected visitors at a home, mood shifts in residents, evidence of drug use, unexplained luxury items, young individuals frequenting different vehicles, strangers who seem unfamiliar with the area, and an uptick in local anti-social behaviour.
Discussing the portrayal of County Lines in the new ITV series, star Martin Clunes revealed: “We researched the whole county lines problem with Marc and Ed. While this is a work of fiction, the way that business model works is represented accurately because the research was so thorough.
Johnny Williams in new ITV drama Out There is lured into the drugs trade by an old friend (Image: ITV)
On the harrowing reality depicted on screen, Clunes expressed his astonishment, saying: “I was shocked by certain things – shocked by the stabbing. There is a story of stabbing every day in the news, and that callous approach to life, the way these kids are used as a disposable work force.
“You can see the rank system, and the way they can rise up the ranks, It’s a very well thought out, nasty business.”
Out There is a gripping new ITV drama starting Louis Ashbourne Serkis as Johnny opposite Martin Clunes as his dad Nathan (Image: ITV)
If you suspect County Lines activity in your area, contact your local police on 101 or dial 999 in an emergency.
For those wishing to stay anonymous, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be reached on 0800 555 111.