Irishman to play Gene Hunt in US Life on Mars

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine star Colm Meaney is apparently in final talks to appear in the US version of Life On Mars.

The Irish actor, 54, who has also starred in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, is set to play the politically incorrect Detective Hunt.

Colm will co-star alongside fellow Irish actor Jason O'Mara (Playing the Field/Monarch of the Glen) as Sam Tyler in David E Kelley's remake of the hit show, reports Reuters.

Based on the hit BBC series, which ran from 2006 and ended this year, the programme follows Sam, a detective who finds himself transported back to 1972 after his girlfriend is kidnapped.

Detective Hunt, who was played by Philip Glenister in the original, is the loudmouthed head of the homicide unit in 1972, who clashes with Sam.

American actor Lenny Clarke is also reported to have joined the cast as George Randall, while Rachelle Lefevre has been linked to the role of Det Annie Cartwright.