Edmund Blackadder who shot Harold II at The Battle of Hastings. Blackadder is a genuine surname, its usage in the UK currently documented back to the 15th century, which may explain the choice of the name, with the first series being set in this time period. The name is thought to be mostly Scottish in origin, which is not contradicted in the series, as the first Blackadder begins as the Duke of Edinburgh. In the third series it is revealed that a branch of the Blackadder family is a significant clan in Scotland, although they have become known by the name MacAdder.
Spooks (series 3) and guest appearances. Megan Dodds returns as CIA liaison Christine Dale in the first episode. Tim McInnerny recurs as JIC chairman Oliver Mace. McInnerny was better known as a comedic actor, particularly for his role in "Blackadder", but the producers felt that quality made Mace a more menacing character. Richard Harrington plays Will North, Zoe's boyfriend turned fiancé. Ian McDiarmid guest stars as Fred Roberts. The producers noted that McDiarmid played Roberts with the right amount of vulnerability, strength and stubbornness. Indian actor Anupam Kher appears as Harakat in "Who Guards the Guards?". Oyelowo stated that Kher had an "instant