Richard Armitage joins the cast of Spooks this year as new kid on the grid, Lucas North.
We caught up with him for some clues about the new series and a sneak preview of the first episode.
Best known for playing the dastardly Sir Guy Of Gisbourne in Robin Hood, Richard's character in Spooks is a refreshing change.
An MI5 spy who has spent eight years imprisoned in Russia, Lucas returns to the grid under suspicious circumstances.
Tell us about Lucas...
Eight years in a Russian prison has had a profound effect on him. His personality is divided between who he was before he was imprisoned, the prisoner and the person he has become. He was once the best in his field, and now he is trying to regain his former brilliance.
How has he been affected by his eight–year incarceration?
He is malnourished but physically he's fit. He has no knowledge of how damaged he is emotionally, until memories start to work their way to the surface – he experiences flashbacks and begins to remember things buried deep in his subconscious.
Does Lucas find it difficult to adapt to the outside world?
There is a scene in one of the early episodes where he is in the safe house and he can't sleep – the only way he can get to sleep is by lying on the floor, effectively sleeping on a very hard prison bed. There are glimpses that make you realise he is struggling to adjust, but as a spy he keeps it well hidden.
How do the rest of the team take to him?
They are inclined to be instantly suspicious of anybody who has been in the hands of the Russians for so long.
A situation arises in which he has a chance to prove himself, but Lucas doesn't play by the rules. The game he is playing is very dangerous and he pushes the boundaries of trust to the limit. He subsequently has to fight very hard to be accepted and regain Harry's trust.
Your character is fluent in Russian - was it difficult to learn?
Pretty impossible, really – I had to learn it phonetically. My biggest problem was that Lucas passed as a Russian native for years, so I had to really work hard at it.
How is the atmosphere on set?
Spooks is obviously a serious show, so there is a need to diffuse the atmosphere. On one occasion I was pulled over by the police and cautioned during a driving sequence. I was asked to open the boot of the vehicle, I did as I was told and found most of the camera and sound crew crammed into the boot looking sheepish.
We obviously had permission to film and, as all the crew were wearing seat belts, we were ok. The problem was, when asked for my name I told them it was Lucas North and I was working for MI5 – that's when the director stepped in to save me!
Spooks is notorious for killing its lead characters. Do you worry this might happen to you?
To be honest I haven't thought about it too much. However, on judging the way characters tend to get killed off, I think when Lucas's time comes I'll welcome it. When Spooks characters are killed off, or disappear, it's usually the most memorable moment of the episode, or even series. There are moments in this series that take your breath away.
How does filming Spooks compare to working on Robin Hood?
They are both so different. Robin Hood is a fantasy legend and historic piece, so it all feels heightened and dramatic. My character (Guy) is bombastic and aggressive, but Lucas is the opposite. It couldn't be more different, which has been a great challenge. It's been a really interesting year.
Check out a sneak preview of the new series below:
Find out when Spooks is showing on TV.
