Character: Raymond Brooks
Actor: John Shrapnel
Episode: A Lesson In Murder

John Shrapnel jumped at the chance to appear in his first World War Two drama.

"I was really intrigued by the setting and themes of Foyle's War. It covers contemporary issues but it's set in an England that's long gone. The series deals with ideas of neighbourliness and cohesion in society, as a nation under threat comes together to fight as one against the enemy.

"It's a first for me and I think it's a good period piece. Reading it made me realise that it's a period we are losing - it's not a Jane Austen world."

John plays Raymond Brooks, a wealthy businessman who sits with Foyle (Michael Kitchen) on the Hastings Defence Committee.

"Raymond Brooks is a decorated hero from the First World War. He's an estimable chap who has seen it all. Then he discovers that his son is going to be a conscientious objector in World War Two. It's embarrassing if a hero's son is seen avoiding the battle and Brooks doesn't want his son to look like a coward.

"He's a successful businessman so I got to wear good, authentically-made 1940s suits and rather luxurious handmade shirts. That felt nice and helped me get into the period."

Adds John: "I think it is quite unique to bring both world wars into one episode. There are only now about six veterans still alive from World War One. They are very old but they're our only real connection."

John has enjoyed a long career on stage and screen after beginning his career under Laurence Olivier at the National Theatre. His many television credits include Edward and Mrs Simpson, Wagner with Richard Burton, Dennis Potter's Blackeyes, Selling Hitler, GBH, Bodyguards, Invasion Earth and Hornblower. He recently completed a run as Captain George Bracket in the Royal National Theatre production of South Pacific.

His film work includes Nicholas and Alexandra, Personal Services, Testimony, Gladiator, Notting Hill and 101 Dalmatians. His latest film, K19 - The Widowmaker, set in Cold War Russia and starring Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson, recently opened in the UK, and he is now working on Mathilde with Jeremy Irons.

"I have worked with the biggest and the best and I feel very fortunate to be approached by such names. I would have to live in America to play the whole Hollywood game, but I prefer to be in the country in Suffolk."

September 2002; Publicity Release