Cork's hit TV series The Young Offenders is back on our screens this week

EVER since they burst onto the scene eight years ago, The Young Offenders have captured hearts and minds across Britain and Ireland.

The comedy with a heart of gold about two loveable Cork city scamps has also been a great advert for Rebel humour and its unique accent.

It began as an IFTA-winning feature film in 2016 and the first TV series landed on the BBC two years later.

Now, The Young Offenders is back for a fourth series on BBC1 on Friday, May 10 at 9.30pm - with RTÉ planning to televise the series in 2025.

All the beloved Cork characters are set to return for more hilarious and hear-warming adventures, headed by Alex Murphy and Chris Walley as loveable rogues Conor MacSweeney and Jock O’Keeffe.

“We’re so excited to be bringing all of the team back for the new series of The Young Offenders,” its Cork creator and showrunner Peter Foott said.

We’ve been able to change things up a little bit this time around, but the show is still true to its roots.

“We wanted to give the fans the same mix of funny storylines that are also heartfelt, so it’s very much the same show with all cast returning.

“Everyone involved is delighted with series four, and we can’t wait for people to see it and be back in the world of The Young Offenders.”

Foott’s wife Hilary Rose also stars in the series, as Mairead MacSweeney. The cast also includes Dominic MacHale as Sergeant Tony Healy, P. J. Gallagher as Principal Barry Walsh, Jennifer Barry as Siobhan Walsh, Demi Isaac Oviawe as Linda Walsh, and Orla Fitzgerald as Orla Walsh.

In the first episode, Conor and Jock are offered a free trip to Colombia - all they have to do in return is bring two heavy parka coats to Ireland.