Episode 1

A British agent is found dead in suspicious circumstances. Now rumours are circulating of a plot to steal a huge consignment of diamonds belonging to a Middle Eastern Sheik. The diamonds are part of a deal to secure oil for Britain and Sir Gerald Tarrant, head of a British secret service organisation, needs some specialist help to prevent the plot being carried out. He decides to 'set a thief to catch a thief' and persuades former criminal Modesty Blaise to come out of retirement, along with her right-hand man Willie Garvin.

Modesty Blaise, by Peter O'Donnell, was adapted from the novel of the same name by Stef Penney.

Cast

Modesty Blaise . . . Daphne Alexander, Willie Garvin . . . Neil Maskell, Sir Gerald Tarrant . . . Alun Armstrong, Gabriel . . . Ewan Bailey, McWhirter . . . Alex Ferns, Grant . . . Matthew Gravelle, Paul . . . John Hollingworth.

With an original score by Goldfrapp's Will Gregory, arranged by Ian Gardiner, and performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Ben Foster.

A BBC/Cymru Wales production, produced and directed by Kate McAll