A sequel to Life on Mars titled Ashes to Ashes is in production with the action moving to the 1980s.

Life on Mars tells the story of a modern detective, Sam Tyler, played by John Simms, who is struck by a car and ends up in the 1970s. Instead of being part of a modern police department, he is stuck in his own past and strangely working as a DI in a ‘70s police department instead. Is he in a coma, has he gone mad, or has he really jumped back in time?

As a straightforward drama Life on Mars would have made a great gritty detective series, but with elements of fantasy and psychology thrown in, it was one of the most original and entertaining shows to come out of the UK in years.

While the main character Sam Tyler from the original show won’t make an appearance, Philip Glenister, a co-star in the original show returns as DCI Gene Hunt. The new show will star a modern policewoman from the 21st century, a psychological profiler, who is injured trying to rescue her daughter and ends up in 1981.

Ashes to Ashes has already started filming, and should be broadcast in the UK next year. If you haven’t watched the two seasons of the original series, it’s well worth a look. {simplegrade:7_5b}