(Updated Tues Sept 27 with new pics after the embargo expiry)
“I’M just a High Street solicitor.”
Philip Glenister makes a welcome return to BBC1 in new four-part drama Hidden.
Which begins at 9pm on Thursday October 6.
He plays flawed criminal lawyer Harry Venn, who works in a down-at-heel office in London’s Kentish Town.
When not bare-chested in bed, drinking white wine and smoking a cigarette.
Having conducted a between the sheets appointment with ex-wife Lauren, played by Lisa Kay.
“I’M afraid we don’t have very much time.”
Sir Harry speaks for all Spooks fans in episode two of the final series.
As those sands of time continue to flow inexorably towards The End.
SPOOKS returns for its farewell series at 9pm tonight.
With the BBC1 schedulers placing Sir Harry and his team head-to-head against ITV1 drama sensation Downton Abbey.
So far I’ve seen the first two episodes of both Spooks 10 and Downton Abbey 2.
As I’ve said before, I hope drama fans ignore the hyped-up “rivalry” and find the time to watch both.
Geoffrey Streatfeild joins the Spooks regulars this evening as Calum Reed.
JUST under 36 hours to go now until the second series of Downton Abbey begins on ITV1.
As promised, below is my latest feature – published today in the MEN.
THE world of Downton Abbey has expanded for its second series, set against the backdrop of The Great War.
There are more characters, storylines and locations than last year.
Including those 1916 scenes at The Somme.
With plenty of shocks and surprises to come.
SHE’S the new woman on The Grid.
Essex-born actress Lara Pulver plays Erin Watts, the MI5 high-flyer who has been sitting in Sir Harry Pearce’s seat during his suspension.
Moving to head Section D when he is temporarily re-instated.
There’s more to Erin than first meets the eye.
“NOT while I still draw breath.”
Sir Harry Pearce is a joy to behold in the first episode of the last ever series of Spooks.
With just six hours left before we say goodbye, the writers of our favourite spy drama appear intent on celebrating the man who has been there from the very start.
Or perhaps more accurately, a skilled actor by the name of Peter Firth.
A trip north to see Stephen Tompkinson on location between Manchester and Leeds.
He was filming the first full series of ITV1 drama DCI Banks after two pilot episodes last autumn.
Where I also spoke to co-star Andrea Lowe, who re-lives her own real life fire nightmare in the opening story.
And I learned how filming had to be stopped when it was feared the stars were in danger.
My feature is in today’s MEN and below.
Sitting in his trailer, Stephen also compared modern day detective Alan Banks to Gene Hunt.
IT’S back and, I’m pleased to report, better than ever.
Downton Abbey series two begins on ITV1 on Sunday September 18.
My first MEN feature on this much anticipated return is below.
“THIS is a true story. What follows is based on extensive research, interviews and published accounts.
“Some scenes have been created for the purpose of dramatisation.”
So begins Appropriate Adult, ITV1’s two-part Fred West drama.
Or rather the story of how trainee social worker Janet Leach was plunged into the nightmare world of serial killers Fred and Rose West.
I watched both 90 minute instalments of the two-part production in one sitting earlier this month and was hugely impressed by the way it had been handled.
Life of Wylie 