Filming begins on Ashes to Ashes' final series

Filming for the final series of BBC One's hit show Ashes to Ashes has begun with stars Philip Glenister and Keeley Hawes return to the quirky crime drama.

The Street's Daniel Mays is also set to join the cast as Discipline and Complaints Officer Jim Keats.

The last series was ended with a nerve-wracking cliffhanger as DI Alex Drake lay in hospital after being shot.

Why Alex and Sam have been sent back in time and whether they're connected are the questions on every fan’s lips – Executive Producer Jane Featherstone said: "Everyone has their own theory about who Gene Hunt is and why Alex Drake, and Sam Tyler ended up in his world.

"Alex’s journey is nearing its end and Matthew Graham and Ashley Pharoah have planned a fabulous finale."

She added: "We’re now at the point where we can finally reveal some of the answers and we can’t wait to hear what the fans think about it all."

On saying goodbye to Ashes to Ashes Head of Drama for BBC Wales, Piers Wenger, said: "Series three of Ashes to Ashes will have the same combination of thrilling crime drama, outrageous 80s outfits and cutting one liners.

"We’ll be sad to see Gene and the gang go but the journey that will take us to that finale will be one of the most exciting, compelling and edge-of-your seat rides on TV!"

The new series of Ashes to Ashes will hit TV screens in 2010.