The first female head of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service, often known as MI6, will take the reins in a few months. The chief of the SIS is the only role that's made public. Blaise Metreweli is a mother and just 47 but a career intelligence officer who’s held very senior roles and risen up through the ranks. Judi Dench played MI6 chief in James Bond films for many years, so reality is catching up with fiction. Why now, what does this mean, and how has MI6 changed over time? 

• Guest: Dan Lomas - Assistant Professor, International Relations at the University of Nottingham. Soon to publish two books - a history of UK security vetting and a new history of the Secret Intelligence Service.  
• Producer: Sarah Allely