She also starred with James Norton in Netflix spy dramaRogue Agent.
Arterton stresses that shes not knocking Bond movies.
We love them because theyre a heightened idea of what its like to be a spy, she says.
Gemma ArtertonGetty
Conversely, she says, What I love about thisSecret Servicestory is, itsnotJames Bond.
Shes very competent at work and then shes completely a mess when she goes home.
This is what its really like to be a field agent.
Gemma Arterton in ‘Quantum of Solace’MGM/Everett Collection
I love that we get to see all different sides of all of the actors in the show.
Avi Nash (Black Mirror, Silo) has been cast as Rev, Kates savvy,hard-working deputy.
In the novel, Rev, admiringly calls Kate a ruthless bitch.
But, actually she goes beyond that and she defies people her superiors and goes rogue basically.
The actress particularly enjoyed her shadowy background meetings with MI6 operatives because theyre not supposed to speak to us.
Such hush-hush briefings were invaluable, she says.
Were trying to be super accurate, she adds.
You have to clear it with an official, that sort of stuffs really important.
Arterton hints that theres so much more to explore regarding furtherSecret Serviceexploits.
For starters, Bradby created a trilogy involving the Kate Henderson character.
I mention that Barbara Broccoli always ruled that there shouldnt be a female James Bond.
I felt the same, Arterton responds.
James Bond should be its own thing.
She had early access to Bradbys tale.
Its exciting to be doing something that has its feet in the real world, Egan says.
The production will be overseen by ITV drama commissioners, Helen Ziegler and Huw Kennair Jones.
All3Media International is co-commissioner and will be responsible for the international distribution of the drama.
As yet,Secret Servicehas no U.S. partner.
Filming starts soon on locations in London and Malta.
