The BBC reports that all the main Robin Hood characters will be back for the second series season of Robin Hood. The main characters include Jonas Armstrong (Robin Hood), Lucy Griffiths(Marian), Keith Allen (the Sheriff) and Richard Armitage (Sir Guy). The full released listing of characters also includes Sam Troughton, Gordon Kennedy, Joe Armstong and Harry Lloyd.

Filming will begin in the spring, once again filming in Budapest. Dominic Minghella is once again writing the episodes. No potential airdates yet, other than sometime in later 2007.

One can imagine they will be keeping better control on those films this time around, after the first seasons only tapes were stolen but fortunately recovered.

Matt Lucas of Little Britain fame has turned down the juicy role of Friar Tuck on the upcoming second season of Robin Hood. It had been rumored that he was very interested in the part, and producers were eager to have him on for the role. But citing scheduling reasons and a very busy schedule, Matt Lucas has reportedly turned down the role.

However, The Stage reports that Lucas has said that he will not be able to take the part next year, in what already promises to be a hectic twelve months. 2007 will see Lucas and comedy partner David Walliams take their Little Britain stage show to Australia, as well as work on a US version of the programme.

Wonder who the next person to be tapped for the role will be.

BBC has announced plans to bring back Robin Hood for a second season of 13 episodes. Despite losing one million viewers since the pilot episode, the show has still done well on a competitive night.

“‘Robin Hood’ has been a big hit with family audiences, playing in a tough slot on the most competitive night of the week,” said BBC1 head Peter Fincham. “I’m thrilled that we have a new series to look forward to next year.”

Fincham’s comments were echoed by fellow BBC executive Jane Tranter, who said the Dominic Minghella-scripted series has benefited from its young cast — including Jonas Armstrong as the legendary title character.

It will be great to see how they expand on this to a second season, if they will be introducing more characters or just more stories with the current characters. No word yet if everyone will be back for the second season.