SECRET AGENT

Reilly, Ace Of Spies, Acorn TV

THIS 1980s spy classic is the ‘true story’ of super-spy Sidney Reilly, who is said to have inspired the James Bond stories. Reilly is played by a young and gorgeous Sam Neill (pictured), who bestows the myth-soaked agent with as much coolness as a river-swimmer on a summer’s day. ‘Did you really think you could eliminate all my agents in this country?’ says one Russian-accented villain. ‘No, but I would’ve made a few holes in Debrett’s,’ breathes Reilly, while sipping a glass of the man’s hock.