'Something is stirring!' Life on Mars creator hints 3rd series could be back on
Life on Mars co-creator Ashley Pharoah has hinted the show could be back for a third series, but that looks unlikely to be on the BBC.
Life on Mars could be back for a third series, co-creator Ashley Pharoah has hinted.
A new instalment of the BBC series, titled Lazarus, had appeared to be in the works in recent years, but plans were ditched in 2023 due to "financial hurdles".
However, Ashley has dropped a huge hint that the project could be back on.
He told The Sun newspaper: "Something is stirring in the Life on Mars world.
"I’m sworn to secrecy but the Cortina isn’t ready for the scrapyard just yet.
"It really puzzled us that no one wanted to make Lazarus - the fans certainly did.
"We had always planned to do three series, not two. I remember there was a bit of worry from the BBC."
However, a third Life on Mars series isn't expected to air on the BBC.
The BBC said in a statement: "There are no plans for Life on Mars to return to the BBC."
Life on Mars followed Manchester police officer Sam Tyler, played by John Simm, after he was transported from 2006 to the 1970s, while sequel Ashes to Ashes featured his superior Gene Hunt, portrayed by Philip Glenister, in a 1980s setting.
In 2023, co-creator Matthew Graham revealed Lazarus plans had been shelved.
He wrote on Twitter at the time: "Some sad news folks. After many months of planning, we will now not be making Lazarus. I can’t go into details but the hurdles were financial not creative.
"Naturally all who were involved are sick as a jungle full of parrots. Not least myself and Ashley Pharoah.
"It was a cracking concept - pertinent to our times. It had a whole new round of things to say about the relationship between the public and the police.
"And it was bloody funny too. But that as they say is showbiz baby.
"Forgive us if we don’t take questions on the decision or on what happens next for Gene, Sam and the gang.
"But we wanted to let those who were interested know so that you could instead raise a pint of tan n bitter to the Guv."
Ashley also told fans: "Really disappointing news but we gave it a proper crack. We’re still thinking of a way to either share the script with you or bring it out in another form. Until then... pub?"
