Philip Glenister, 'Ashes to Ashes' creator in 'Quattro' row

Philip Glenister has apparently angered the creator of Ashes to Ashes Matthew Graham.

Speaking in this week's Radio Times, Glenister alleged that he coined the Gene Hunt catchphrase "Fire up the Quattro!".

"The writers maintain 'Fire up the Quattro!' was their idea, but it was mine. They will dispute it but - sorry guys - put it in print," the actor claimed.

However, Graham hit back on Twitter: "In the radio times you will read that Phil created Fire Up The Quattro. He didn't. Nor did "the writers". It was me.

"I have drafts of Ashes going back to before he was even shown the script. Originally it was 'fire up the Princess'."

The Doctor Who scribe further claimed that Glenister was not fond of the slogan, adding: "I sat down and deliberately coined a phrase that might rival [Life on Mars catchphrase] 'armed b**tards'. Phil didn't LIKE the line. wanted to drop it."

Graham concluded: "Thanks Phil. Great timing mate. Thank you for that deluded ego trip.

"That sideways jibe. That public sneer after I sing your praises. Thanks for reducing 5 years by referring to [co-creator] Ash[ley Pharoah] and I as 'the writers'.

"I've decided to go fishing. I look forward to Phil's next screenplay. I hear it's a thriller that some writer helped him with."

Watch footage of Gene Hunt with his Audi Quattro below: