The excitement is mounting here at TV Scoop! The wait is almost over! Word is, as we mentioned here and didn’t quite mention here, Life on Mars spin-off Ashes to Ashes is expected to hit our screens next month. Even the man with the tightest inside track of all, Ian Wylie, can’t be more specific than that after his most recent Philip Glenister and Keeley Hawes interviews.

What is the great mystery of Gene Hunt? Will new girl WPC Shaz Granger be as delightful and delectable as Northern belle Annie Cartwright? How have Gene and his loyal colleagues fitted in among the poncey southern jessies in the Met? And most important question of all – is it beer o’clock yet? The answers are tantalisingly close and we’re beginning to stamp our little feet in anticipation. [photo courtesy Keeley Hawes photo archive]