Peter Firth has teased that Spooks fans will be satisfied with the big-screen adaptation.

The 61-year-old actor reprises his role as spy Sir Harry Pearce in Spooks: The Greater Good alongside Game Of Thrones star Kit Harington as his protege Will Holloway.

“We set a benchmark with the TV show. I think we created a new level of TV drama and we are hopeful to do this for this film. So it’s the same deal but bigger,” he said.

“We’ve worked really hard to make the transition and not to emulate anything that’s out there. There are some obvious comparisons of the same genre in this country, but we’re not going there. We’re very happy with it and we’re excited to show it to everyone.”

Peter, who has portrayed the character for all 10 series of the BBC One crime drama from 2002 to 2011, revealed being back as the head of counter-terrorism of MI5 “felt good”.

“I keep him in the closet so I bring him out every time they need him,” he said.

The film sees Harry faking his own death, so he can go rogue to uncover the truth behind a terrorism plot, with Will’s help.

Peter has only compliments for his co-star, saying: “He’s great, Kit. I’m very happy for him because this should be his move up to the big screen.”

Spooks: The Greater Good opens in UK cinemas on May 8.