 The reaction towards the character and Armitage 's portrayal were met with unanimous praise . In a viewer poll on their favourite character played by Armitage on RichardArmitageNet , Lucas North was voted third behind Sir Guy of Gisbourne , and winner John Thornton in North and South . Spooks producer Katie Swinden described Armitage 's addition as " fantastic " , as he " has that dark and brooding quality which make him perfect for the role . " Co @-@ star Hermione Norris thought Lucas was a " really fantastic character " and has brought " a completely different vibe and quality " to the series . 
