MI5 Chief Sir Ken McCallum: I'm a 'Slow Horses' Man!

The Director General of MI5, Sir Ken McCallum, has revealed himself to be a dedicated fan of the Apple TV+ spy thriller series, 'Slow Horses'. In a candid video posted on MI5’s official Instagram account, Sir Ken embraced the show, which some critics playfully describe as the 'anti-James Bond'.

'Slow Horses' centres around a team of dysfunctional MI5 agents, led by the crude and dishevelled but ultimately competent Jackson Lamb, played by the acclaimed Sir Gary Oldman. These agents, having blundered in their careers, find themselves banished to Slough House, a sort of purgatory for disgraced spies.

When asked about the relationship between MI5 and its counterpart, MI6, Sir Ken humorously noted, "You might want to say there is room for both James Bond and Slow Horses." He then added, "I happen myself to be a Slow Horses man." Dispelling any notions of rivalry, he clarified that MI6 agents are "our friends, they are our colleagues."

Speaking at the National Archives, Sir Ken emphasised the collaborative spirit among MI5, MI6, the police, and other agencies. He highlighted their collective effort, each contributing their specialized skills, to ensure the safety and security of the country.

The series, which premiered in 2022, is based on the best-selling novels by Mick Herron. With its sixth season due in September and a seventh already slated for 2027, the show's popularity continues to grow. Sir Gary Oldman, in a 2024 interview with the BBC, described 'Slow Horses' as depicting "the sort of slightly shady, dirty side of espionage. It's your PG Tips, Tescos version of it I guess." The cast also features Dame Kristin Scott Thomas as MI5 Director General Diana Taverner, Jack Lowden as agent River Cartwright, and Sir Jonathan Pryce as Cartwright's on-screen grandfather.

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