MAVERICK Mancunian detective Gene Hunt is to star in a third and final series of TV hit Ashes To Ashes.

The politically incorrect cop, dubbed the Manc Lion, will roar back on screens in 2010. BBC bosses have given the go-ahead to a final series of eight episodes, which will begin filming in September.

It will reveal the `bigger picture' behind both Ashes To Ashes and Manchester-set Life On Mars. Millions watched the finale of the second BBC1 series, with DCI Hunt, played by Philip Glenister, accidentally shooting Det Insp Alex Drake.

Alex was then seen returning home to what she thought was the modern day and her daughter Molly - only to discover she appeared to be in a coma, trapped in 1982, with Gene accused of trying to kill her. A series spokesman said: "Fans have theorised since Life On Mars and throughout Ashes To Ashes about who Gene Hunt actually is and what his world really means.

"Producers have now revealed the climax of series three will finally reveal all and writers and creators Matthew Graham and Ashley Pharoah have promised a stunning finale for fans."

Journey

Pharoah said: "We have thoroughly enjoyed following Alex Drake on her journey in the eighties and seeing her fiery relationship with Gene Hunt.

"We promise the third series will be packed full of intriguing twists and turns to keep viewers guessing about the final outcome." Viewers around the world are also still wondering about the possible fate of modern day Manchester detective Sam Tyler, played in Life On Mars by John Simm. He is said to have died but fans still speculate about a return.

Simon Crawford Collins, producer for film makers Kudos, said: "Viewers will not be disappointed because the series promises to finish with a bang."

Glenister said: "It's been such a career-changing role, in many respects. And it's such a beautifully written role, that while the writing is that good and it's fun to play, then I'll keep doing him.

"But there has to be a shelf life and I think we've agreed that it will be three and out."