On 10 September 1979, the first episode of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy was screened for the first time on BBC2.

The espionage drama, based on John Le Carre's novel, cast distinguished actor Alec Guinness in the lead role of George Smiley, an intelligence agent brought out of enforced retirement to see to some "unfinished business".

In an interview printed the week of broadcast, Guinness admitted that he'd done little television in the past, but said that the making of the seven-part drama had changed his mind about the medium. 

Tinker Tailor went on to great success, and in 1982 Guinness reprised his role in follow-up Smiley's People.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy went on to have further life in later listings. It had a complete re-run on BBC2 in 1981 and graced our screens once again a decade later. If you delve into the programme guides of 2000, you will find another BBC2 screening of the drama. In later years, Guinness's performance made regular appearances on BBC4.

A new adaptation for radio - also a seven-parter - was first broadcast in 1988. And in 2009, Le Carre's story returned to the airwaves under the title Classic Serial: The Complete Smiley, with actor Simon Russell Beale stepping into the shoes once filled by Guinness.

Although not in the listings, a big screen version of Tinker Tailor was made in 2011 with Gary Oldman assuming the mantle of Smiley.