Thandie Newton has been tipped to star in Ashes To Ashes - the sequel series to Life on Mars.

The role of DCI Gene Hunt's new sidekick, DI Alex Drake, is said to be coveted by many actresses following the success of the original show.

According to the Daily Mail, producers have shortlisted Thandie Newton, of ER, New Street Law's Lisa Faulkner and Liz May Brice, from Bad Girls. The paper added that Newton is tipped to win the role.

"I don't think there's an agent in the country that hasn't been pushing their clients," explained a BBC source. "Life On Mars was such a success that everyone wants to be involved."

Filming on the new series, which shifts to London in the 1980s, is due to start in July.