THE busker started playing his guitar as I walked towards the escalator heading up to the street.
Piccadilly Circus underground station in London at 1pm today.
And his choice of song?
Stairway To Heaven.
I felt a sudden shiver down my spine.
Not due to any resemblance between an ascending Piccadilly Line escalator and the title of Led Zeppelin’s classic song.
With all due respect to Eros, Piccadilly Circus isn’t most people’s idea of paradise.
More to do with the fact that I was on my way to interview Philip Glenister ahead of the second BBC1 series of Ashes To Ashes.

Was this a clue to the big mystery at the heart of Ashes and Life On Mars?
With somebody, somewhere, trying to tell me that, yes, Alex Drake really is stuck somewhere between Heaven and Hell?
Or just a meaningless co-incidence?
Who knows?
As with Life On Mars, Phil is tireless in his efforts to promote Ashes To Ashes.
Even though there must be times when he’s feeling absolutely knackered.
Having just finished a very long shoot.
He’s always polite, friendly and engaging company.
With plenty to say about Gene Hunt’s adventures in the second series of Ashes.
I know from the blog comments and emails that fans are desperate for news.
There’s so much to tell about the return of Gene, Alex, Ray, Chris and Shaz.
Sadly…and I hate typing these words again…not just yet.
The Ashes interviews and other linked material remain under embargo until closer to the date of transmission.
That’s just the way it works.
At the risk of repeating myself, it’s as frustrating for me as it is for you.
All I can say is that it’ll be worth waiting for.
Which is what we’re all going to have to do for a little bit longer.
As Phil’s website states, the new series is now due to start in April.
As also already reported elsewhere, he’s banished his Demons.
With everyone hoping a third and final series of Ashes will be green lit for filming later this year.
Everything I’ve heard over the last few months suggests we are in for quite a ride.
There’s every chance that creators Matthew Graham and Ashley Pharoah will be able to tell the full story via the third series.
Finally revealing that “bigger picture” and the “big mystery” about Gene Hunt.
Never mind the exasperating wait on the long escalator ride between series.
I’m looking forward to some brilliant television once it reaches 1982.
How about you?
Ashes To Ashes Blogs
Life On Mars Blogs
Philip Glenister Official Site
The Railway Arms Ashes and Mars Fansite