Jonas Armstrong quits as TV Robin Hood

FOR some, Jonas Armstrong was the delectable, tight-dodging "Robin for the noughties", with his highly-styled "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