Ipcress File's Joe Cole has revealed the only 'real preparation' he did for his role as Harry Palmer was 'finding the right glasses'.
He appeared on BBC's One Show tonight to discuss his character in the upcoming six-part ITV drama.
Set in Berlin in 1963, the new series is inspired by the classic Len Deighton spy novel of the same name.
READ MORE: ITV The Ipcress File cast blown away by Liverpool dish that separates city from rest of UK
The show follows former British Army sergeant Harry Palmer (Joe Cole), whose dodgy dealings as a fixer and smuggler come to an abrupt end, landing him in prison.
But when British secret services come knocking, it seems that Harry's knowledge of Berlin's underworld could come in handy after all – and maybe even keep him out of prison.
While on The One Show, he was asked if finding the right pair of glasses for the role was a massive part of getting into character and how many pairs he actually tried on.
Joe replied, as he said: "Yes that's the only bit of prep I did actually!"
They all started to laugh as he continued: "Yeah, I went to the opticians shop and tried on every pair in the shop. There was one pair that worked.
"I said these are the ones and he [the costume designer] agreed."
He added: "It's so important though. It sounds silly but getting the right costume and hair just makes it so much easier doesn't it."
The Ipcress File will arrive on our screens on ITV and ITV Hub in March 2022.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
