While Philip, 44, has achieved nationwide fame as the ruthless Hunt, his older sibling is currently on screens as con artist Ash Morgan in the hit BBC1 series Hustle.

And with Philip now to star in Life On Mars spin-off Ashes To Ashes, which will place his character in the Eighties, Beeb sources say there are plans to try to persuade Robert, 47, to make a guest appearance alongside his little brother.

“After the success of Life On Mars, Philip can do no wrong in the BBC’s eyes at the moment,” says a Corporation mole.

“It’s now felt it would be very interesting to see him finally acting alongside his big brother on screen and there’s already talk of Robert appearing in Ashes To Ashes at some stage.”

Hurrah.