THEY filmed the final scenes 11 days ago. Life On Mars as we know it is no more.
When I spoke to cast members on set in August, it was clear that the new second series would be the last.
The only question was whether it would be followed by a final two-part special.
Now it’s been confirmed that the eight episodes in the new BBC1 series – due on screen early in the New Year – will be the end of the story.
The news came just hours before Life On Mars was nominated for an International Emmy.
It’s up for Best Drama in the awards, which take place in New York on November 20.

“While it’s sad that Life On Mars has come to an end, everyone is really glad that it’s going out on a high,” a spokeswoman for the show told me yesterday. “And we WILL find out what happened to Sam.”
It’s said that two different conclusions have been filmed to keep fans guessing. But that may be part of the fun and games TV companies like to push out at times like this.
Although disappointed to see the end of one of the best drama series in recent years, most fans will be glad to enjoy two perfect series with no attempt to drag the story out.
Actors like John Simm, who plays Sam Tyler, and Philip Glenister, equally wonderful as Det Chief Insp Gene Hunt, also know when to stop.
Executive producer Claire Parker said the TV team wanted to go out on a high, with viewers learning how modern day detective Sam ended up stranded in 1973. She says the story will reach a “natural and explosive climax” .
Writer and co-creator Matthew Graham said: “We decided that Sam’s journey should have a finite life span and a clear-cut ending and we feel that we have now reached that point after two series.
“Although it is sad that we have just finished filming Sam’s final scenes, it’s also been an incredibly exciting few days.”
So is Sam in a coma, imagining events on screen, mad, or really back in 1973?
It promises to be one of the TV highlights of next year.
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Life On Mars Set Visit