 Though interested , yet frustrated about the writing style and not knowing what is going to happen next , upon starting , Armitage was told by co @-@ star Peter Firth to learn to run with it , as well as learn the lines and political jargon quickly . He also thought the scripts are " quite a workout for the brain . " Armitage was also coached on his " serious face " and the " Spooks lean " by Rupert Penry @-@ Jones . The numerous tattoos on Lucas 's torso were actually transfers planted on Armitage , and took a couple of hours to apply . However , he was often told not to move much , as they could rub off quite easily . Armitage was also one of only two actors , along with Hermione Norris , who plays Ros Myers , who went to Moscow , Russia in the series ' first overseas shoot in August 2008 . 
