Spooks explodes onto BBC One this autumn

The UK's favourite spies go global as the complex relationship between the UK, Iran and the US is put under the spotlight - but who can really be trusted under this new world order? Award-winning spy drama Spooks returns to BBC One this autumn in an exciting new format.

Over the course of 10 hour-long episodes, Adam, Harry and the team are immersed in their most intricate operation to date.

Audiences can expect an exhilarating, high-octane journey with an abundance of dramatic twists and turns as the distinction between friend and foe becomes ever more blurred.

Rupert Penry-Jones, Hermione Norris and Peter Firth return as officers Adam, Ros and Harry of Section D, MI5.

Raza Jaffrey, Miranda Raison and Hugh Simon also reprise their roles as Zaf, Jo and Malcolm, and welcome new arrival Connie played by Gemma Jones.

In the drama, Iran's covert scheme to become a nuclear power leads to growing mistrust between the British, American and Iranian governments, who all nurse their own agendas to help or hinder the Middle Eastern state in its efforts.

The volatile climate culminates in a series of high risk operations both at home and abroad.

The opening episode sees Zaf, undercover in Tehran, attempt to place a bomb on a civilian train in an effort to flush out a key Iranian spy, an act which could have dangerous ramifications not only for Zaf but for the whole team...

Meanwhile, the electric atmosphere between Adam and Ros comes to a head, but things are complicated further by Adam's dangerous ongoing affair with a key asset inside the Iranian embassy.

Ros, whose loyalty has come under scrutiny in the past, once again finds herself questioning her ability to carry out the demands of a government she does not necessarily support.

Harry gains a new friend on the Grid when he recruits old MI5 colleague Connie (Gemma Jones) as desk officer – clever and with plenty of old school tricks up her sleeve, she might just be able to fill the void left by Ruth's departure.

Guest appearances include Matthew Marsh (The Commander) as CIA Agent Bob Hogan and Robert Glenister (Hustle), who resumes his role as Home Secretary.

Series six also see the return of Anna Chancellor (Suburban Shootout, Tipping The Velvet) as Juliet Shaw, former National Security Coordinator.

Katie Swinden, Producer of Spooks, says: "For the first time ever, we've chosen to explore one theme throughout the series, and one which is an ongoing concern in today's world affairs agenda.

"The relationship between Britain, Iran and the US is such a delicate and topical issue that it opens up a wealth of new storyline possibilities to us.

"Audiences will be able to follow Adam, Harry, Ros and the team as they take on their most challenging operation to date, and will get to see them in a whole new range of dangerous and exciting situations."

Sarah Brandist, Executive Producer for the BBC, says: "Spooks, one of the autumn highlights for both BBC Drama and BBC One and this year, takes on a more global feel by telling bigger, bolder stories across a wider landscape.

"BBC One viewers, who are already eagerly awaiting the gang's return, will be treated to an explosive opening two-parter and, from then on, the action flows from beginning to end. Spooks has returned in style."

Having achieved phenomenal critical acclaim and continually high ratings, Spooks was awarded the BAFTA for Best Drama in 2002.

It has since won numerous other industry awards and been nominated for many more, including nominations for Best Drama at BAFTA in 2005 and 2006, and at the National Television Awards in 2006.

The 10 new episodes of Spooks are written by Neil Cross, Rupert Walters, David Farr, Zinnie Harris, George Tiffin and Ben Richards.

Spooks will air on BBC One in Autumn 2007.