Gemma Arterton says she didn’t understand Quantum of Solace while filming the 2008 James Bond movie

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Gemma Arterton, known for her early role in a James Bond movie, is back in the world of espionage with a new ITV series called Secret Service.

I remember Gemma Arterton as Strawberry Fields in Quantum of Solace. It’s often considered one of the weaker Bond films, and that was Daniel Craig’s second go-around as 007.

Looking back on the movie now, Gemma Arterton has admitted she was confused about the storyline while she was actually filming it.

Gemma Arterton recently told listeners of Radio X’s The Chris Moyles Show that she believes the James Bond film Quantum of Solace was misunderstood by audiences.

When Dominic Byrne, who co-hosts with Moyles, asked if she understood what was happening while they were filming, she admitted, “No, I really didn’t know what was going on.”

Byrne mentioned he’d attempted to watch the movie a couple of times, and Arterton replied that she hadn’t even managed that many.

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During a conversation, Rafe Spall, who starred alongside Gemma Arterton in Secret Service, admitted he’s never watched a James Bond movie. He acknowledged Bond’s cultural importance, calling it “fantastic,” but explained, much like Star Wars, it just doesn’t appeal to him.

The new series, Secret Service, is adapted from a novel by ITV News presenter Tom Bradby and features a cast including Gemma Arterton, Timothy Spall, Mark Stanley, Alex Kingston, Roger Allam, Amaka Okafor, and Khalid Abdalla.

The series centers around Kate Henderson, a high-ranking officer with MI6, played by Arterton. While she seems to lead a normal life as a married government employee with two teenage kids, there’s more to her story.

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But those unfamiliar with her may not realize Kate actually leads the Russia Desk at the Secret Intelligence Service.

Kate’s secret work uncovers troubling signs that a powerful British politician might be working for Russia, and she’s now in a frantic effort to find out who they are.

When a shocking murder occurs, Kate and her team find themselves under intense scrutiny. She must balance the high-stakes world of spying with the challenges of family life and safeguarding her public image.

Tune into The Chris Moyles Show on Radio Xweekdays, 6:30-10am, and on Global Player.

Secret Service is coming to ITV1 and ITVX soon.

Don’t miss ‘Secret Service’! Add it to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download the app today for daily TV recommendations and exclusive content.

Authors

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs writes about TV dramas for TopMob, covering shows on streaming services and traditional channels. Before becoming a writer, he worked in public relations, first at a business-to-business agency and then at Fremantle, a global TV production company. He has a BA in English and Theatre Studies and a Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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2026-04-13 19:06