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Tom Quinn (played by Matthew MacFayden)

"You have a very sexy frown." - Vikki Westbrook
Season 2 Episode 3

Details

Age: 32
Height: 6 ft "2
Hair: Black
Eyes: Blue
Rank: Head of Section B
Recruitment: 1992 by Recruiting Officer Peter Salter
Training: basic MI5 Training, Senior Officer Training with the SAS
Dependents: girlfriend Ellie Simm, Maisie Simm
Known aliases: Matthew Archer (IT civil servant), Steve Wilkes (computer class instructor), Davy Crockett (MI5 representative), John Steadman (Home Office), Mr Anderson (Immigration), David Getty (British Army Lieutenant), Jack (market analyst)

Description

Tom Quinn is a senior MI5 officer and the main character of the series. He is the Head of Section B, within the Counter-Terrorism Department run by Harry Pearce. Described by Zoe as a 'boy wonder', Tom is a talented Spook whether he's working undercover or supervising other officers. Right from the very first episode, it's clear that Tom loves his job.

It's also clear that Tom is deeply in love with his girlfriend, Ellie. Ellie is a single mother, cook and co-owner of her own restaurant. Unfortunately, the two of them met while Tom was undercover. As a result, not only has Tom yet to tell her about his real job but he hasn't even told her his real name.

Tom has a good relationship with his direct superior, Harry Pearce. Tom is fiercely loyal to Harry although he is still willing to challenge him when it comes to moral and ethical issues. In return, Harry gives Tom a lot of freedom and responsibility for running operations. There are hints that the two of these have a long history with Harry making mention of 'Tom's first probation' and warning Tom 'no heroics'.

His relationship with the Head of Section K, Tessa Phillips, is tense and hostile. Tom regards Tessa as manipulative and hasn't failed to notice her obvious dislike for Harry. How long they've worked together and whether there's another reason for their mutual dislike is never revealed.

Tom gets on well with both of his subordinates, Zoe Reynolds and Danny Hunter. He has even been known to go jogging with Danny before work. Sometimes he has to reign in their exuberance but he has a confidence in their abilities that can only get stronger as the series progresses.

"...I'm a terrible man." - Tom Quinn
"No, you're not. Not really." - Ellie Simm
Season 1 Episode 6

Disclaimer: Spooks and its characters are the property of the BBC, Kudos and many other people who are not me.