Parched: Ruth, played by Nicola Walker

TIME to get serious as we approach the end.

I’m sure you are as shocked as I am to discover that next in line is episode seven.

Of eight.

You wait a year – or even longer – to see the new series of Spooks.

And then in a flash…it’s almost over.

Ros (Hermione Norris) having an exceedingly bad day at work

JUST the briefest of glimpses.

But I’m so glad the humble cake stand is making a comeback, both on screen and off.

Not that Ros finds time to nibble a Fondant Fancy when she meets up with her former MI6 mentor Jack Coleville.

Richard Armitage as Lucas

THERE was a knock on the dressing room door while I was interviewing Richard Armitage on set for the new series of Spooks.

Yet another crisis had engulfed the small MI5 team responsible for saving us, and the rest of the world, on a weekly basis.

In the face of global warming and the threat of nuclear war, one more vital resource had run out at Thames House.

“There’s a milk shortage on The Grid,” apologised Richard.

So without the benefit of tea, we carried on.

You’d have been proud.

Today’s TV feature on Richard, who plays Lucas North, and the new series is here.

As ever, space was tighter than the Spooks’ milk budget.

So dedicated Spooks – and Richard Armitage fans – may like to read some of the extras below.