Character: Sgt Ian Brooke
Actor: Jay Simpson
Episode: Invasion, Bad Blood, Bleak Midwinter, Casualties of War
New sergeant replacing Mr Rivers at the front desk. He was sent to 'the sticks' from London as a bit of light relief in series four.
February, 2007; Publicity Release
Jay Simpson is delighted to be back at his post in the Hastings police station.
"I have been in the last four Foyle's War films. I think they tried out a few desk sergeants before me, but I was the one that stuck, so it's good news for me.
"Brooke is relentlessly straight as a copper. Although he gets a bit fed up behind the desk he's a cheerful fella and he always sees the best in situations. I love him as a character.
"He tells the truth and he has a rather disarming ability to say exactly what he thinks at all times. He can upset Mr Foyle sometimes as a result. I think he has an eye for Sam, but he wouldn't cross the line and show her he likes her because that would be unprofessional. He leaves well alone."
Adds Jay: "He is very different from everyone else in the station. There is a lot of 'stiff upper lip' there. I live in the East End so I play Sergeant Brooke as a cockney and he's quite a different voice to the richer ones in Foyle's War. I am completely unlike him, apart from putting my foot in it sometimes."
Jay enjoys being one of the few returning characters in the series.
"I get on really well with Honeysuckle, Anthony and Michael. You have to be on top of your game because they are so professional, and know exactly what they are doing.
"Wearing the period uniform helps you feel the part and it's very good for the character but you wouldn't want to swim in it. Please God I never have to chase a criminal across the river!"
Jay has enjoyed a busy year with roles that include working with Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslett.
"I'm in a film provisionally called Holiday where I play Cameron Diaz's driver. I'm also in Recovery with David Tennant and Sarah Parish. I play David Tennant's best friend and assistant when he has a brain injury. I play a very different sort of copper in a film called Hush Your Mouth, and I've also done Bad Crowd for Channel 4."
His other credits include A Touch of Frost, Casualty, Hot Money, Murder in Suburbia, Soundproof and the films Pride & Prejudice and Erik the Viking.