‘MY HARRY IS A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT!’
Joe Cole
The Peaky Blinders star takes on a classic spy role…
The murky world of Cold War secret agents is brought to life in ITV’S new version of The Ipcress File.
Based on Len Deighton’s novel, the six-part thriller stars Joe Cole as soldier Harry Palmer, famously played by Sir Michael Caine in the 1965 film adaptation.
‘I’ve seen the film,’ says Joe. ‘But my Harry is a little bit different!’
Set in 1963, the story follows Harry, who’s doing shady deals on the black market while serving for the British Army in Berlin. After he’s caught and sent to prison, he receives a visit from William Dalby (Tom Hollander), the enigmatic head of a secret intelligence agency.
Dalby offers Harry the chance to become a spy and help find a missing British nuclear scientist who appears to have been kidnapped by one of Harry’s former contacts.
‘Harry doesn’t have much choice in the matter,’ says Joe. ‘It’s either that or being sent back to prison.’
Joined by fellow spy Jean Courtney (Lucy Boynton), Harry faces danger and intrigue as they embark on the secret mission.
Although Joe says he’s made the role his own, he still sports the spy’s trademark glasses.
‘He’s such an iconic character,’ says Joe. ‘The glasses were massive in helping me get into the role of Harry Palmer. As soon as I put them on it was “job done”.’
✣ The Ipcress File is on ITV
‘HE’S SUCH AN ICONIC CHARACTER’