Hustle Series 4

[Jessie Wallace]

Episode 1

With Mickey heading to Australia to help pull off a major con, Danny feels it's time for him to take the lead, as the drama about a group of con artists returns. Only moments after meeting Albert's mark – a Texan movie memorabilia fanatic named Anthony Westley – Danny's talked the group in too deep with a promise to sell Westley the Hollywood sign. This calls for an impromptu trip to LA for the gang.

Once there, Danny convinces Westley that the sign is being put up for sale as it's about to be replaced with a brand-new one. Ash poses as Richard Hamilton, the man in charge of maintenance of the sign who is now overseeing its sale.

To make this happen, they need to get the real Richard Hamilton out of sight. Luckily, Hamilton has delusions of grandeur and a very confused secretary. Stacie lures him away with the promise of an important multi-network interview, while Ash and Danny work on the secretary to get into his office building.

After their meeting with Hamilton, Danny claims that he can be blackmailed with photos of him with a hooker. He tells Hamilton the sign is being sold by sealed bids and, unless he makes Westley's bid the highest, these photos will go to his wife. In return, Danny gets a finder's fee from Westley for having a man on the inside.

Westley's willing to pay big money to get his hands on the sign and will stop at nothing to ensure he wins the bid. But how will the gang get the cash if they can't deliver the sign itself?

Danny is played by Marc Warren, Albert by Robert Vaughn, Anthony Westley by Robert Wagner, Stacie by Jaime Murray, Ash by Robert Glenister and Richard Hamilton by Steve Hytner.

[Abbie]

Thanks, i love hustle, I dont suppose you know when its being aired?

[Jessie Wallace]

In a few weeks time, but no date and time yet. It's in the unplaced section at the moment, but as soon as we know i'll tell ya. I'm thinking maybe Thursday to replace either Waterloo Road or Hotel Babylon.

[Abbie]

Hmm yeh, taking either one of their places would make the most sence

[Jessie Wallace]

Thursday 10 May, 9.00-10.00pm BBC ONE

Porn baron Dickie Brennan is desperate to own a winning racehorse. So that's what he thinks he's getting when he swoops in to buy Cindy's Fortune, a horse said to be a classic winner in the making, as the drama about a group of con artists continues. To rope the mark, Albert poses as a syndicate member poised to get his hands on this flying machine.

Dickie is champing at the bit to beat Albert to the sale, but what he doesn't know is that he's falling right into the trap set for him – fake owner, fake trainer, a dodgy stopwatch and a useless horse.

Dickie isn't a fool when it comes to money, however. With Ash posing as the trainer of the horse, Dickie tries to convince him to sell – plying him with booze and a couple of glamour girls for extra persuasion.

Distracted, Ash doesn't realise that Dickie's fixed the contract to leave the gang with only one way to score big: a horse that will win a race. Their own horse hasn't a chance, so it's time for the gang to rustle up a "borrowed" thoroughbred and a pot of paint.

Meanwhile, there's a young man shadowing the gang. Billy, a street kid and short-con artist, wants in. He knows about all the great con artists and is convinced Danny Blue's the only man who can teach him about the long con.

Unfortunately for Billy, Danny's adamant that the perfect addition to the team is a sexy female. Billy is eager to please, but will his eagerness jeopardise the con in the meantime?

Dickie is played by Jamie Foreman, Albert by Robert Vaughn, Ash by Robert Glenister, Billy by Ashley Walters, Danny by Marc Warren and Stacie by Jaime Murray.

[Jessie Wallace]

One of the UK's most exciting up-and-coming acting talents, Ashley Walters, joins the Hustle gang for the fourth series of BBC One's hit drama about a group of con artists. The star of the critically acclaimed film Bullet Boy and former member of So Solid Crew plays Billy Bond.

Here, he talks about his role.

Can you describe your character?

Billy Bond is a quick-thinking, cool and lovable pickpocket. He has spent a lot of time ducking and diving on the streets from a very young age. Although he can be cheeky, Billy still has a huge passion to achieve and progress in life, no matter what he is faced with. He is willing to learn and eager to get to the top – he wants to be the best and he has come to learn from the best crew in town.

How has Billy settled into the Hustle crew?

I feel that Billy has been able to settle into the crew very easily. He's used to socialising with all different types of people; the only difference here is that his relationship with the crew is not a con. Billy's admiration and respect for the crew only helps them to bond.

How have you personally settled in? Do you get on well with the cast?

The crew and cast of Hustle are all great. Considering I am changing the dynamic of a set-up that is already in its fourth year, I feel we all clicked very quickly. The support from everyone is amazing. We had a great time filming – it was a lot of fun.

What was your favourite storyline to film?

My favourite storyline has to be the casino heist in episode six. We filmed in LA, which is always exciting. That episode definitely sees Billy come into his own – he's quick-thinking and has a good opportunity to prove it.

Were you tempted by the casinos when you were filming in Las Vegas?

Filming in the States was very cool. I just appreciate being able to see the world whilst doing a job that I love. Vegas wasn't really for me; the Lottery is the most gambling I've ever done!

Have you ever pulled a con or been conned in real life?

No, I've never really had to go that far. I'd imagine that I would feel too guilty. I'm sure I've been conned in the past – I'm not as sharp as Billy!

Did you enjoy working with guest stars Frances Barber and Jamie Foreman?

Working with Jamie and Frances was great. They are two very established figures – and very down to Earth. That is one of the great things for me – I learnt something new every day by being a part of this drama.

Have you learnt how to pickpocket or have you picked up any card tricks on Hustle?

No, I haven't learnt to pickpocket. It's all good acting! The trick is making it look real and I'd like to think we pull it off. At the end of the day, it's just a drama and we're only out to entertain the audience. Marc [Warren] is the magician on the set, but he won't reveal his secrets – to me or anyone.

You play a fashion designer in episode four. Have you taken any tips and started planning on launching your own fashion label?


My own fashion label would be cool. I've thought about it once or twice, but not seriously yet. I've been too busy with my music, filming career and my kids. If I did, I'm sure I wouldn't be as camp as "Lorde".

What was your favourite or most enjoyable moment from filming?

That's such a tricky question – each episode was fun to make and equally challenging. I enjoyed working with people who work hard but can still have a laugh.

What have you been up to since you finished the series?

At the moment I'm focusing on various projects. I have two UK independent films due for release later this year – Waz, with Stellen Skarsgard, and Sugar House, with Steve Macintosh and Andy Serkis. I'm also working on another album and will soon start shooting a horror movie. I've been so busy recently – it's a good job I haven't tried to launch a fashion label yet!

Do you watch much TV? What are your favourite programmes?

I watch TV as much as time permits – I've got three young kids, so I don't get much time to chill out in front of the TV. I'm a big Coronation Street and EastEnders fan, though, when I get the time to watch them. But give me Hustle any day and I'd watch that over anything else!

Do you get recognised on the street? How do you handle fame?

I do get spotted a lot when I'm out and about. The good thing is that I'm not as famous as someone like Will Smith, so nobody seems to care that much!

[Layne]

Is Adrian Leicester not coming back?!

[Jessie Wallace]

I think he did a small ammount of recording for them, but i'm only 90% sure on that.

[tammyy2j]

Adrian Lester who plays Mickey isn't in Series 4.

Jamie Murray is also rumoured to be leaving

I'm glad Marc Warren is still there

[Jessie Wallace]

Marc, has said that this will most probably be the last series too, as they don't want it to go down hill, and want it to go out on a high and for it not to get to tired.

[Jessie Wallace]

The first rule of the con is "Never con an honest man" but that's exactly what's happening to Eddie, the gang's favourite barman.

A ruthless nursing home owner, Veronica Powell, has roped Eddie into a contract that'll cost him 50 grand to get out of; otherwise, his father loses his house and everything he's worked for.

Veronica is a woman who likes to rob elderly people and steals from charities, so she's a perfect mark for the gang.

When Stacie trails Veronica to find an "in", she discovers that Veronica is a wine connoisseur. However, during preparations for a wine con, they find out that Veronica's been stung before and she can spot a fake bottle.

Danny finally comes up with a plan: Ash is to look for a house that's on the market; Billy's sent out with a shopping list; Stacie plays short cons to raise some funds; and Albert dresses up like a shabby old man. And Danny? He buys a £47,000 bottle of wine at auction, then pours it down the sink! The others watch in horror as Danny strives for the boldest convincer in history. But will it work, and just how much will Veronica pay when she thinks she's in for a cellar-full of vintage wine?

Eddie is played by Rob Jarvis, Veronica Powell by Patricia Hodge, Stacie by Jaime Murray, Billy by Ashley Walters, Danny by Marc Warren, Ash by Robert Glenister and Albert by Robert Vaughn

[brenda1971]

I cant wait for Hustle to start on thursday. I dont think that it will be the same without mickey

[Jessie Wallace]

Wooooo 3 days to go now, and i can't wait

[Jessie Wallace]

Charity-robbing Clarissa has a passion for fashion. She buys all the latest trends and is desperate to get her hands on the most exclusive designer items. The Hustle gang decides that the way to con this woman is to make her want what she can't have. It's time to give her the "Emperor's new clothes".

It may be more fairy-tale than con, but the same rules still apply: create the hype and let the mark do all the chasing.

And so begins a game of cat and mouse in which Clarissa believes she is hot on the tails of celebrated new designer Lorde. He's urban, he's cool ... and he's Billy in disguise, and Clarissa is desperate to invest in this bright young thing.

It's the first time Billy has played the inside and the stakes are high, especially when his place in the group is threatened by Nathan – a man from his past who's threatening to tell the gang more than Billy's willing to reveal.

Though Clarissa is primed, Billy has to hold it together when they are confronted by her hard-nosed, unsentimental business partner, Reece. Billy just has to hope that Reece isn't the one to point out that Lorde's designs are worthless. If he does, will Danny finally have a plan B?

Clarissa is played by Frances Barber, Billy by Ashley Walters, Nathan by Leon Black, Reece by Malcolm Sinclair, Danny by Marc Warren, Stacie by Jaime Murray, Ash by Robert Glenister and Albert by Robert Vaughn.

[Footie_Chick]

I was actually in last night as i had no training and sat down to watch it with my brother. Its the first time i've watched it since series 1 and i really enjoyed it, looking forward to next weeks episodes, may have to even consider sky+ it if i'm out.

[Lindy]

It's one of the best shows around Footie Chick, you'll be hooked now. I just love the last 10 mins when they reveal how they did it all, it's so clever and well thought out.

[Footie_Chick]

Yeah i think i will be hooked!!!!!

[Jessie Wallace]

Albert is on holiday in Las Vegas, trying as hard as possible to keep a low profile in a town built for gamblers. However, he hadn't reckoned on Johnny Maranzano – the son of the late Mafia boss Frank Maranzano, whose casino Albert has ripped off and been banned from in the past.

Johnny is the kind of man to hold a grudge, and, when he breaks Albert's fingers, Stacie, Danny, Ash and Billy decide to pay a visit to Albert's attackers and seek revenge.

They decide to target "Big Daddy", the fruit machine built in loving memory of Johnny's father. It has a $5m jackpot encased in a glass fish tank and is watched by 14 cameras, security guards and a constant queue of punters waiting to play.

It looks impossible, but with Billy working at a fish tank store and Stacie as a cocktail waitress at the casino, Ash might have just enough information to plan for their most sophisticated heist to date.

This time, however, the gang is dealing with the Mafia and they have their own version of justice. Even if the grifters get the money out of the casino and out of Vegas, with the Mafia on their tails it's going to be one hell of a road-trip back to London – if they make it that far...

Albert is played by Robert Vaughn, Johnny Maranzano by Chris Tardio, Stacie by Jaime Murray, Danny by Marc Warren, Ash by Robert Glenister and Billy by Ashley Walters.