Hit BBC crime drama Hustle has been given a promising return update from star Adrian Lester. Last airing 14 years ago, the show ran for eight seasons and featured the actor alongside the likes of Robert Glenister, Matt Di Angelo, Kelly Adams and Ashley Walters.
Following a group of con artists, the series sees the grifters focus on 'long cons' – more extensive forms of deception that necessitate a bigger commitment.
Appearing on BBC Breakfast today, Lester – who played lead character Michael 'Mickey Bricks' Stone on the show – was asked about the series, suggesting there have been conversations about bringing it back.
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"Just between us, if you don't tell anyone, there's always conversations about it possibly coming back," he teased.
"It's something that's been really well-loved by the public, it was a great success for BBC and for Kudos, the producers, and we are ever hopeful that in some way, shape, or form, it might come back on our screens," the star added.
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The series came from Tony Jordan, who also co-created Life on Mars and was behind TV show Dickensian, as well as extensive writing credits on EastEnders.
Hustle was a hit with audiences over the years, one on IMDb calling it "genius", adding: "How do the writers come up with these intricate stories. Glamorous and slick. The marks are all well deserving as they are cretins for one reason or another."
"One of the best shows on the box. I must say I absolutely loved this and did not miss one episode," another added, while a third suggested it "makes Oceans 11 look like a joke".
Critical reception was largely positive too, The Washington Post writing around the time of its original US release: "With its verve, wit and inventiveness, it has stolen its way to the head of the Saturday-night class."
Variety further called it "a captivating look at con men that hits the small screen with the cinematic flair of recent grifter pics".
All eight seasons of Hustle are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
