They're clever buggers, the BBC. Just as I post up a trailer for the series two finale of Ashes To Ashes and wondering whether the show would be around for a third series, I get an email confirming that, yes, Ashes To Ashes will be returning for a third series. On the whole, this is good news because when it's good it's very good. When it's not good, it really is pretty average. So, with fans of show wondering out aloud about its future, this release could not have been better timed. Read on after the jump...

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So, for all your ATA freaks out there, this is the press release pretty much in full:

"Don't put the leg warmers and blue eyeliner away just yet because the 80s revival is set to continue in the gripping finale of Ashes to Ashes, to be screened on BBC One next year.

The hit drama from Kudos Film and Television in association with Monastic Productions has been recommissioned for a third series by the BBC following a fantastic second run which has kept millions of viewers hooked each week.

Fans have theorised since Life on Mars and throughout Ashes to Ashes about who Gene Hunt actually is and what his alternative world really means. Producers have now revealed the climax of series three will finally reveal all and writers and creators Matthew Graham and Ashley Pharoah have promised a stunning finale for fans.

Pharoah says: 'We have thoroughly enjoyed following Alex Drake on her journey in the 80s and seeing her fiery relationship with Gene Hunt develop. We are also as excited as the viewers to see how her journey ends and we promise the third series will be packed full of intriguing twists and turns to keep viewers guessing about the final outcome.'"

The promise of finding out the true nature of The Hunt is quite tantalising, and it'll be interesting to see if the rumours regarding a return for Sam Tyler come to fruition.

One thing that narks me a wee bit about the timing of this is that we sort of know that tonight's series finale (BBC One, Monday 8 June, 9pm) won't have that air of finality about it. Or will? We're promised twists and turns galore, so let's see what happens!

Simon Crawford Collins, Executive Producer Kudos Film and Television, says: "Will Alex make it back home, why is she living in this parallel 80s world, what will become of bullish Gene Hunt and will we ever discover what actually happened to Sam Tyler.....viewers will not be left disappointed because the series promises to finish with a bang!"