Rupert Penry-Jones is back as a feature-length special opens the new series of Spooks
Starts Monday 12 September at 9.00pm on 91Èȱ¬ ONE
Introduction
'Splendid' - The Times
'Matchless … thrilling stuff' - Daily Telegraph
'Superlative' - The Observer
'Brilliant' - Sunday Express
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A high octane two-part feature-length special launches the return of critically-acclaimed Bafta, RTS, TRIC and Broadcast award-winning Spooks for a new season this autumn on 91Èȱ¬ ONE.
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MI5's crack team of spies was left reeling after the shocking death of Danny at the hands of hostage-takers at the end of last series.
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Now Adam (Rupert Penry-Jones), Harry (Peter Firth), Ruth (Nicola Walker), Fiona (Olga Sosnovska) and rising star Zafar (Raza Jaffrey) set out to become even stronger in their battle to safeguard the nation at a time of unprecedented danger and unexpected threats.
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The fourth series opens with a two-part action-packed special.
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It is the day of Danny's funeral, and the entire team is together for an emotionally-charged farewell to their colleague.
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But even as the service begins, they receive the first indication of a major bomb blast in Central London that heralds the onset of a new terror campaign.
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And in a frantic race against time, MI5 has ten hours to prevent a catastrophe.
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The special, directed by Antonia Bird (Hamburg Cell) introduces Anna Chancellor (Tipping the Velvet, Pride and Prejudice) as Juliet Shaw, National Security Coordinator. She is Harry's nemesis, and also a figure from his past.
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The opening two episodes also star Martine McCutcheon in her first UK TV role since leaving EastEnders, playing a waitress who is the unwitting witness to the bomb-makers.
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Other guest artists starring in the series include Rupert Graves, Jimi Mistry, George Baker, David Threlfall, Douglas Hodge and Lindsay Duncan, and there are return appearances from Hugh Simon and Rory MacGregor.
"Before 9/11 and Iraq, the role of the intelligence services was at best murky and the threat that existed vague, but the political landscape has now fundamentally changed," says Spooks writer Ben Richards.
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"The war on terror and the role of homeland security have become of primary concern to all of us and July's attacks have now brought this threat to a new level.
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"The power of 21st century terrorism, which Al Qaeda has harnessed so effectively, is that it only takes a small group, a loose network or even one disillusioned individual to visit death and destruction upon us.
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"How we fight this war is the subject of fierce debate: how far should our security services go? What civil liberties are we prepared to give up? How much do we trust our politicians to make these decisions for us?
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"As the fourth series of Spooks begins, the stories are more relevant than ever before. The show has always been fast-paced and hard-hitting but now concerns over national security provide an even more dramatic backdrop to the challenges facing our team from MI5."
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The stakes have never been higher for the spooks as the team at Thames House contends with the loss of a key player and adjust to the arrival of an ambitious newcomer.
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"Spooks has a reputation for uncanny prescience when it comes to portraying real-life events, and again, this series is no exception," comments Executive Producer Jane Featherstone.
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"More than ever, this year we have found that elements of storylines conceived over a year ago are being reflected in real events; it's what makes it feel relevant and contemporary.
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"As for the action: well, we've notched up the pressure even higher this year. Viewers are used to our customary cliff-hangers and fast-moving plots - I think that in this new series we've ramped up the pace to make the stories more action-packed and exciting than ever."
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Created by David Wolstencroft, Spooks is written by Howard Brenton, Ben Richards, Rupert Walters, Raymond Khoury and, in his TV debut, renowned young theatre writer David Farr.
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The producer is Andrew Woodhead and Executive Producers are Jane Featherstone and Simon Crawford Collins for Kudos and 91Èȱ¬ Joint Head of Independent Drama, Lucy Richer.
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The award-winning interactive Spooks TV service returns this autumn and for the first time will also be available on broadband.
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Digital viewers can enter the interactive service at the end of each episode of Spooks.
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Alternatively, go to bbc.co.uk/spooks at any time for more information about the new series of Spooks: returning cast; new characters; exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews; a spy gadget guide; quizzes; competitions; an opportunity to email your review of the show and a whole range of games.
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In addition, Spooks is being extended onto the mobile platform, with an innovative Spooks mobile game which will launch in the autumn during the run of the new series.
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Sold to more than 27 territories worldwide, Spooks will continue to be shown on the other side of the Atlantic where, renamed M-I5, the first three series were screened to great acclaim.
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The third series of Spooks will be released as a five-disc DVD set by Contender Entertainment in September.
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Spooks is produced by Kudos Film & TV for 91Èȱ¬ Television.
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