Has Gene Hunt finally met his match?

DCI Gene Hunt returns to rid London of criminals in Ashes To Ashes. But narrow-minded Gene finds his new female sidekick hard to take, as actor Philip Glenister explains...

What does Gene think of newcomer Alex? "Gene is immediately suspicious of her motives. The world around him is changing and he wants to cling on to what he knows. He often complains she gives him brain ache and yet he knows that, when they work together, they make a good team. He's drawn to her and doesn't really know why; they're a great match."

And how does a sexist like Gene cope working so closely with a woman? "Alex is tougher than any woman he's ever met - so although he takes every opportunity he can for a jibe about her being a woman, he also treats her like one of the team. He'd never admit it, but Gene is very protective of Alex. There is an attraction between them that viewers will find quite fiery!"

Gene quits Manchester to work for London's Met Police. What does he make of 'southern criminal scum'? "Gene never gives much away. We know he needed a change - his wife has left him, Sam has gone and the job came up so he took it. He also thinks he, Ray and Chris can show the southern nancies a thing or two about how to police a community the right way."

How are you enjoying the Audi Quattro and how does it compare to the Ford Cortina? "I love it! The Quattro was one of the first four-wheel drives that properly clung to the ground - but we had to fit a hydraulic handbrake so I could rag it round those corners! It's a two-door car as well, so Ray and Chris can only get out the back when I say so."

Are there any funny stories from your time on set? "Mooning with the boys on a Bank Holiday Monday night in the middle of Finsbury Square was pretty hilarious. After half a bottle of wine we all forgot our nerves and dropped our trousers for every take - even Keeley's close up. Her reaction is very real!"

What were you doing in the Eighties? "Nothing as cool as Gene! I was just trying to get laid while listening to Human League, wanted to be Simon Le Bon and spent a lot of time squeezing my spots."