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Richard Armitage's Spooks tattoos decoded

Richard Armitage as Lucas North in Spooks
  • Posted at 3:11pm
  • 22 October 2008
  • by PaulJones-RT
  • 13 comments

Richard Armitage is the newest recruit to the Spooks team, as the spy drama returns for a seventh series (starting Monday 27 October at 9pm on BBC1).

Armitage plays the mysterious Lucas North, who's been released on a spy-swap after spending eight years in a Russian prison. During his time there, Lucas has gained a number of impressive tattoos. As he tells MI5 supremo Harry Pearce (Peter Firth), "Tattooing is part of the culture in there. You don't do it, you don't belong. You don't belong, you're dead."

But what exactly is the significance of Lucas's tattoos? Those on his torso read Gnothi seauton (Know yourself), Dum Spiro Spero (As long as I live, I hope), MNP (Peace) and Omerta (Silence). The Russian writing down his arm means "See nothing, hear nothing and say nothing to nobody." And there are cupolas (domes) on his back - one for each year spent in jail.

Don't worry though, Armitage didn't suffer that much for his art. The tattoos are all actually transfers that took about two hours to apply.

For more behind-the-scenes Spooks stuff, check out our latest photo gallery, which follows Armitage and co as they film the first episode of the new series on location in Moscow.

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Post a comment | 13 comments

Comments

  • Posted on 16 December 2008
  • at 1:03pm
  • by claire

i love the pic

  • Posted on 17 November 2008
  • at 7:28pm
  • by Maria

I am so so so glad that they have Richard there, he is an amazing actor and completely delicious!! He is the only thing keeping me from breaking down over Adam's demise - well at least now he is. The first few hours after the first episode were numbing. Goodbye Adam/Rupert, you will be missed. Thank god Richard is there to soothe us ... Im sure he will be fantastic!

  • Posted on 12 November 2008
  • at 12:09pm
  • by Natalie B

I have to admit, I always disappeared off for a bath, or god forbid, to do some cleaning, whenever my hubby turned on 'Spooks', but seeing that gorgeous Guy of Gisborne chappie in this new series had made me a convert, and dispite my gawping at his lovely bod in episode one (I was half looking at the tattoo's, have unable to tear my eyes away from his very toned abdomen!) I am hooked! I love Hermione's character, she's so nails, and I love the way its so up-to-date with current affairs...did anyone notice the news article last week on the Russian sub that sank because of a failure of its fire extinguishers...yeah, right?! ;-)

  • Posted on 02 November 2008
  • at 8:33pm
  • by evie

Never mind about Richard and his tatoos I was extremly disappointed that Rupert left Spooks, he'll be a hard act to follow.

  • Posted on 30 October 2008
  • at 7:35pm
  • by Sally

Congratulations Richard. The part of Lucas was made for you. Just goes to show what a fantastic actor you are.

  • Posted on 29 October 2008
  • at 11:48am
  • by Arden

Have seen episode three now........loved it and the way Richard Armitage has slotted in extremely well, he is a very versatile actor. As Lucas he retains an air of vulnerability from his past traumatic experiences, but he is ice-cold when in action.

  • Posted on 29 October 2008
  • at 3:21am
  • by Amy

After having two great actors as the leads in Spooks, we now have this piece of wood? Thank heavens for Hermione!

  • Posted on 28 October 2008
  • at 8:01pm
  • by Mig

Interested as to why most of the tattoos were in non-Cyrillic and non-Arabic script? Doesn't seem consistent with the storyline.

  • Posted on 28 October 2008
  • at 2:58pm
  • by Arden

Congratulations Richard, fantastic first two episodes, will miss Rupert, sniff, but what a dramatic way to go.

  • Posted on 28 October 2008
  • at 1:44pm
  • by HelenHackworthy-RT

We created a special photo gallery of Richard Armitage especially for people like you, Ionaclio!

More Richard Armitage pictures…

  • Posted on 28 October 2008
  • at 1:35pm
  • by Ionaclio

Of the female viewers...who was looking at Lucas' tattoos? There is much more to admire! He can come into my bedroom any night to look for my mobile phone but I hope I wake up!!!

  • Posted on 24 October 2008
  • at 12:37pm
  • by Dan

Are Spooks' writers taking cues from Eastern Promises and Prison Break now, then?

  • Posted on 23 October 2008
  • at 10:17am
  • by Susie

Really interesting all the info about Richard's tattoos and their meanings, although I'm relieved to hear that they are only transfers! I bet he doesn't like having those applied any more than he does the make-up!

Don't worry about all the "hunk" stuff Richard it's a necessary evil and all part of the "marketing hype" which I'm sure you're well aware of. True talent lasts, good looks don't, so enjoy the fuss while you can!

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