Philip Glenister defends 'Ashes' co-star

Rex Features

Philip Glenister has called for fairer treatment of his Ashes To Ashes co-star Keeley Hawes ahead of the show's new series.

Hawes suffered a frosty response from critics after she made her debut as DI Alex Drake on the BBC One time travel show last year.

Glenister, who plays DCI Gene Hunt, later spoke out in support of the actress, claiming that her detractors should "hang their heads in shame".

Reflecting on the criticism in a new interview with the Daily Record, Glenister explained: "What I objected to most was the personal nature of some of the attacks and the utter lack of appreciation of what a fine actress Keeley is, a woman with this incredibly impressive range of emotions and almost uncanny ability to cry on cue.

"Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I actually thought some of the remarks made about Keeley, and her acting, were utterly inexcusable. What I objected to most was this idea, this totally bogus idea, that she was somehow lightweight, that she wasn't a key part of the show.

"She was central to it. There wouldn't have been an Ashes To Ashes without her. So, this time round, I hope that the comments about Keeley's contribution are a little more considered."

Ashes To Ashes returns to BBC One on April 20.