As millions of viewers know, hardman DCI Gene Hunt is not someone to cross, but it appears actor Philip Glenister is a bit more of a softie.

These sneak photos from the set of the second series of Ashes to Ashes show the actor wrapped in a cuddly towelling dressing gown and cosy slippers.

Munching on a banana as he talks to a crew member between takes he couldn't look less intimidating.

Life on Mars hard man Philip Glenister tucks into a banana dressed in his robe and slippers

The look is a far cry from Glenister 's no-nonsense character Hunt - the sexist policeman wouldn't be caught out without his sharp suit and Audi Quattro.

And after his brief break at the catering van Glenister was indeed back in his no-nonsense costume, teamed unusually with a pair of wellies.

The actor has made the much-loved character his own after first appearing in Life on Mars, and then in the spin-off Ashes to Ashes.

The two dramas have proved one of the BBC's biggest success stories in recent years, winning a clutch of awards and a huge fanbase.

Back to the eighties: After slipping into a suit, teamed with a pair of wellies, Glenister was back in character