Arresting start for Mars sequel

Ashes to Ashes sees Alex Drake (right) jump to 1980s London

Seven million viewers tuned in to watch the first episode of Ashes to Ashes, the sequel to BBC drama Life on Mars.

Set in 1981, the series sees DCI Gene Hunt, played by Philip Glenister, join forces with female time-traveller Alex Drake, played by Keeley Hawes.

Like Life on Mars, the show takes its title from a David Bowie song.

It impressed most TV critics, with The Independent saying it was "the mixture as before - a bit of pop culture, a bit of sci-fi [and] a bit of weirdness".

"Much of the humour and charm of the original series remains," agreed the Mirror's Jane Simon.

The Sun's Ally Ross described it as "a television programme to treasure", while the Telegraph said the show's 1980s setting "opened up a cornucopia of new possibilities".

The Guardian's reviewer was less welcoming, however, describing the show as "a big mess" with a "muddled" plot and a premise that "is now stretched to breaking point".