6th September 2005
BBC1 spy series Spooks opens with an explosive two-parter, starring Martine McCutcheon, in which a bomber has laid charges across London.
Rupert Penry-Jones, who plays Adam Carter, says the episodes filmed earlier this year are timely after London’s real-life tragic explosions.
"With all the terrorist activity going on in the world, in some ways Spooks happened at the right time," he says.
"It’s caught the viewers’ imagination. They want to know who the people are who are meant to be keeping us safe."
BBC1 spy series Spooks is back for a fourth run with steely MI6 operative Adam Carter, played by Rupert Penry-Jones, now firmly in the fold.
Rupert admits it was not easy to join a programme in its third series.
"Joing the show was good but tough. People were leaving and new crew were arriving. It was like going to school a few years after everyone else joined."
"In the end it was fine and everyone was welcoming. It’s a very friendly bunch, plus it’s a great part and my character’s introduction was strong."
Rupert Penry-Jones says he has enjoyed working on the new series of Spooks.
"I feel established and don’t have to worry about what type of character Adam is. I was working it out last year but this time I can just do it," he says.
"I feel far more comfortable about him and where he’s coming from," adds the 34-year-old actor.
"The emphasis this time is on the storyline of the week and the problem we’re facing. The plots are very, very strong. The best so far, I think."
Acting runs in the blood for Rupert Penry-Jones, his mother is To The Manor Born’s Angela Thorne and his father Peter Penry-Jones, is an actor.
Brother Laurence was in Doctors but Rupert says they don’t talk shop.
"Acting wasn’t always the way my career was set to go," he says. "I did school plays and was better at acting than anything so it’s what I ended up doing.
My parents weren’t happy at first but they saw a few productions and saw I was dedicated so they backed me."
Rupert Penry-Jones, whose off-screen partner is Ballykissangel actress Dervla Kirwan, says he loves the "ensemble nature" of working on Spooks.
"Hopefully, I’m coming back next year but we’re still deciding," he says.
"Anything goes on Spooks and anyone can go. Everyone’s desperately worried that they’re going to get killed in the next episode but that’s what keeps it alive.
"It certainly makes sure we’re all on our toes. It’s quite intense but you leave it behind at the end of the day."
Courtesy of BBC Ceefax