Ashes to Ashes stars Keeley Hawes as psychologist Alex Drake, who is transported back to London in 1981 where she encounters Philip Glenister's no-nonsense detective Gene Hunt. The programme will return to BBC1 in 2009 after filming on the second series begins in the summer.
Details of the new series are being kept under wraps until the season one finale screens tonight, so it is unclear if Alex Drake remains in 1981 or returns to the present day after her parents die in a car bomb. "The 1980s have had a real revival over the past few months. Ashes to Ashes seems to have captured the imagination of the nation," said Simon Crawford-Collins, the executive producer and head of drama at Kudos Film and Television, the independent producer that makes the series in association with Monastic Productions. "I'm sure viewers will be desperate to know who's back in the second series, but for now they'll just have to tune into the last episode of series one to find out."
Julie Gardner, the executive producer for the BBC and BBC Wales head of drama, said she was delighted Ashes to Ashes would return. "The series epitomises all that is great about BBC drama with its bold, confident storytelling and great characters. I can't wait for more blue eyeliner, [Audi] Quattro cars and 1980s music to burst on to our screens in 2009."
