Filming took place for the show last August with stars including former ER actress Alex Kingston, Cutting It favourite Sian Reeves, Christine Bottomley and Vinette Robinson.

The ex-cons try to go straight in a sleepy Scottish town while planning an escape to the Caribbean, courtesy of £3 million stolen from Kingston's gangster husband.

The fish-out-of-water drama also stars Annette Crosbie, impressionist Ronni Ancona, Paul Higgins and Alec Newman.

And Annette, who played Victor Meldrew's long suffering wife Margaret in One Foot in the Grave, was delighted to be back filming in Scotland.

"It's so comforting to be around the accent and the people, because ultimately Scotland is my home," said Annette, who plays local gossip Sadie.

Co-star Alec Newman, who stars as businessman Euan Harries, added: "I think Wanlockhead is one of the stars of the show in a way.

"The actual location provides a correct kind of energy for the identity of the show."

The Glasgow-born actor added that filming the show made him consider moving to a place like Wanlockhead because of its remoteness.

Hope Springs hits our screens on Sunday June 7 on BBC 1.

For an in-depth interview with the stars, pick up a copy of this week's Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.