Richard Armitage Reunites with Spooks Co-Star Nicola Walker for Debut Thriller Audiobook ‘Geneva’ – Fans Dream of On-Screen Return

By Entertainment Correspondent, January 30, 2026 – Hanoi Entertainment Gazette

British actor Richard Armitage has reignited fan excitement by reuniting with his former Spooks co-star Nicola Walker for his debut psychological thriller audiobook, Geneva. The project, an Audible Original released in late 2022, marks Armitage’s bold step into authorship while showcasing the enduring chemistry that made their BBC spy drama pairing iconic. In exclusive interviews around the launch, Armitage opened up about his career evolution, the serendipitous casting choice, and his deep admiration for Walker, fueling speculation about a potential on-screen collaboration in the future.

Geneva is a fast-paced, high-stakes thriller set against the stunning yet deceptive backdrop of Switzerland’s biotech industry. The story follows Sarah Collier (voiced by Nicola Walker), a brilliant neuroscientist who uncovers a sinister conspiracy involving cutting-edge medical technology that blurs the lines between innovation and manipulation. As secrets unravel, trust erodes, and personal stakes skyrocket, the narrative delivers relentless suspense, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. Armitage narrates the lead male perspective and additional roles, with Jane Perry rounding out the ensemble narration. The audiobook runs approximately 8 hours and 54 minutes, blending immersive sound design with the actors’ nuanced performances to create a cinematic listening experience.

Armitage, best known for roles in The Hobbit trilogy as Thorin Oakenshield, North & South, and recent Harlan Coben Netflix adaptations, revealed that he deliberately stepped back during the casting process for Geneva. “When it came to deciding who to read, I wanted to take a step back and let Audible come up with some ideas,” he exclusively told Hello! Magazine. When Nicola Walker’s name surfaced as a suggestion, it felt like perfect timing. Armitage recalled writing a scene that subconsciously echoed a memorable Spooks moment where Walker’s character Ruth Evershed was tied up and drugged at the end of his Lucas North arc. “When I saw Nicola’s name on the page, I was like ‘that’s serendipity’,” he said. “I’d literally just had her face in my head, accidentally. So I thought she was going to be perfect.”

hellomagazine.com

Richard Armitage on career change, reuniting with Nicola Walker …

The reunion has been widely celebrated, with reviews praising the duo’s electric dynamic. Listeners describe Walker’s portrayal of Sarah as “brilliant” and “unraveling,” bringing depth to a character grappling with ethical dilemmas and personal peril. Armitage’s narration adds brooding intensity, making the thriller feel intimate and urgent. One reviewer noted it “felt like more than just an audiobook” thanks to the pitch-perfect delivery from Armitage, Walker, and Perry. The project became an instant Audible bestseller, highlighting Armitage’s versatility beyond screen acting.

In discussions, Armitage expressed heartfelt praise for Walker, calling her “extraordinary” and sharing hopes for future collaborations. Their Spooks tenure (Armitage as Lucas North from 2008-2010, Walker as Ruth Evershed across multiple seasons) left a lasting impact, with fans still clamoring for a revival or new joint project. The audiobook’s success has sparked calls for a TV or film adaptation of Geneva, which Armitage has hinted could be exciting—potentially reuniting the pair visually.

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New Richard Armitage portrait in wide ranging Hello Magazine …

Armitage reflected on his career transition, noting a shift toward creative control through writing and narration. “I felt the desire to act diminishing,” he shared in interviews, pointing to audiobooks as an innovative space where storytelling can evolve. Geneva—later published in print by Faber & Faber—draws from his fascination with biotech ethics, Swiss landscapes, and human vulnerability. Endorsed by Harlan Coben as “outstanding” and “icily tense,” it explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the dangers of unchecked progress.

faber.co.uk

Faber to publish Richard Armitage’s Geneva | News | Faber

Walker, acclaimed for Unforgotten, The Split, and River, brings her signature emotional precision to the role. Their real-life rapport shines through, making Geneva a standout in the growing audiobook market. Fans continue to speculate on future reunions, whether in audio, screen, or stage.

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Nicola Walker: The phrase I most overuse? ‘I don’t know my lines …

As Armitage’s literary debut thrives, Geneva stands as a testament to his multifaceted talent and the magic of reuniting with Walker. Available exclusively on Audible, it’s essential listening for thriller fans craving immersive, character-driven