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He might not be the most sensitive soul on the box, but TV cop Phil Glenister receives sackloads of fan mail from police who wish they could dish out justice (and one-liners) like he does.
The actor, who plays old-school copper Gene Hunt in new series Ashes To Ashes, says officers claim modern-day policing has left their hands tied.
He told The Sun: "The success of Life On Mars has led to Gene Hunt becoming a hero to many policemen.
"He's a throwback to the days when there wasn't so much paperwork and fewer restrictions.
"Gene may behave in a way they'd like to - given half a chance. He nails the bad guys but I'm not sure how long he'd survive in the modern era."
The first series was set in Manchester in the 1970s but Ashes To Ashes, which began on BBC1 last night, is based in 1980s London.
The first episodce of the new series earned rave reviews and huge audience figures.