Fans of the acclaimed Apple TV spy drama Slow Horses could soon be facing a significant shake-up, as rumours swirl that one of its most formidable stars is considering her departure.
Signs of a Departing Spymaster
Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, the five-time Bafta nominee who masterfully portrays the icy MI5 deputy director general Diana Taverner, may be preparing to hang up her lanyard. Sources close to the production have revealed to The Mail on Sunday that the 65-year-old actress, who has completed filming for the sixth series, might leave after the seventh series, which is currently in preparation.
Colleagues on set have reportedly detected a shift in the esteemed actress's demeanour. One source noted that ‘Dame Kristin doesn’t seem herself this time around’ and that she appears less enthusiastic than in previous years. There is a growing concern that the star, beloved for her haughty disdain of Gary Oldman's maverick Jackson Lamb, is ready to move on from the long-running production.
A History of Preferring Shorter Projects
This potential exit aligns with comments Dame Kristin has made in the past about her working preferences. The actress, who won a Bafta for her role in the 1994 film Four Weddings And A Funeral, has been candid about her aversion to lengthy television commitments.
In an interview last year, she explicitly stated, ‘It just goes on and on. I get terribly bored. Series bore me.’ This sentiment contrasts with the nature of a successful series like Slow Horses, which is expected to film an eighth series later next year, though it has not yet been officially announced.
Adding to the speculation, sources mentioned that Dame Kristin has been arriving on set later than others and has been ‘coming across a little bit miserably these days.’ When approached for comment, her agent did not respond.
What Does the Future Hold for Slough House?
The potential departure of such a central character would undoubtedly leave a void in the dynamic of the show. Diana Taverner serves as the brilliant and scheming foil to Jackson Lamb and his team of dysfunctional operatives at Slough House.
While the future of one star is in question, the show's executive producer, Will Smith, has indicated that Gary Oldman has expressed a desire to ‘play Lamb for ever.’ This sets up a scenario where the show could continue, but without one of its most pivotal players.
For now, viewers and production crews alike await a final decision from Dame Kristin Scott Thomas on whether she will continue to reign as one of television's most compelling intelligence chiefs or if she will pass the baton after a remarkable seven-series run.
