FOR some, Jonas Armstrong was the delectable,

tight-dodging "Robin for the noughties", with his highly-styled

1. ​

   Jonas Armstrong

2. ​

   More than just a pretty face

3. ​

   Dressed down

4. ​

   Jonas takes a bow

5. ​

   Nice suit

6. ​

   Set for action

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"woodland urban" hoody and designer stubble.

His groupies, the Armstrong Angels, who will be holding a

convention devoted to their hero next year, obviously loved

him.

But for others, the Irish-born actor's turn in the BBC's

swashbuckling Saturday series Robin Hood has been a dud, with

the man himself branded a bloodless "boyband saint" by

critics.

So the news the 27-year-old Northerner is quitting the show

after the next series has sparked a mixed reaction among

fans.

In a statement, the 27-year-old northern actor, who was born

in Ireland, said: "Playing Robin Hood has been one of the most

incredible experiences of my life. Over the last three years I

have met some wonderful people and have only amazing memories

to take with me."

A BBC spokeswoman said the finale would be explosive and

nail-biting.

Jonas' decision comes hot on the heels of Lucy Griffiths'

departure from the show at the end of the last series, when her

character, Maid Marian, was stabbed by Guy of Gisborne.

Filming on the third series of Robin Hood is taking place in

Hungary, with another feisty female lined up in the shape of

Kate of Loxley, played by Joanne Froggatt.

In Nottingham, many were surprised at news of Jonas'

departure. David Green, the general manager of Nottingham

Castle, said: "I'm shocked. I suppose the cast are young and

ambitious."

The castle hosted an exhibition about the BBC series which

attracted 120,000 visitors, many of them young fans.

David said of Jonas: "He was very young and clean-cut and

has helped bring a famous story to a contemporary

audience."

David thought the BBC would probably take stock before

selecting a successor .

"They already have a controversial series to get through,

following Marian's demise. In many ways, it's about finding an

actor not many people are aware of."

Bob White, from Mapperley, chairman of the World Wide Robin

Hood Society, said he expected the BBC would stick with a Robin

Hood character, rather than creating a new hero to front the

series.

"There is a precedent," he said, referring to the acclaimed

1980s series when Jason Connery replaced Michael Praed.

"It worked successfully with Robin of Sherwood and, of

course, Doctor Who regularly regenerates," he said.

"It's not uncharted waters."

Bob's own favourite TV and film Robins include Michael

Praed, Sean Connery and Patrick Bergin.

He thinks the BBC will want to retain a Robin with youth

appeal and may even cast a pop star or a soap opera actor in

the role.

Ladbrokes are not offering odds on who Jonas' successor

might be.

Suggestions on the streets of Nottingham ranged from Rob

Kazinsky (Sean Slater in EastEnders), Rex from Big Brother and

a shock return for Jason Connery.

The third series of Robin Hood will be shown on BBC1 next

year, and will run for 13 episodes.

In it, Robin is hell-bent on avenging Marian's death. He

will be joined by Friar Tuck (David Harewood), who will become

one of his closest allies.

jennifer.scott@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk