Philip Glenister and John Simm’s enduring friendship and professional partnership have been a delight to fans over the years. The two actors share a strong bond, often joking that they can’t go “two weeks” without wanting to work together, as Glenister recently shared with Yahoo UK.
Their onscreen partnership began in 2000 with a guest appearance by Simm on Clocking Off. Their friendship grew during the production of State of Play in 2003, and by 2006, they became widely recognized for their roles in Life on Mars. Their collaborations didn’t stop there; the pair starred together in Mad Dogs and appeared on ITV’s Ancestry series DNA Journey in 2024.
In an interview with Yahoo UK, Glenister opened up about how their Sky crime series Mad Dogs came to be. He explained that he was working on a show at the time that he felt was a poor fit for him. He remembered thinking it had been two weeks since he and Simm had worked together, so he decided they needed a new project. Glenister approached his agent, who represented Mark Warren as well, and suggested they create something for the three of them. Glenister also reached out to Max Beesley, whom they thought would be a good addition to the team. The idea eventually turned into Mad Dogs, a series about middle-aged friends who reconnect with an old pal, only to find themselves entangled in a chaotic situation with the criminal underworld.
The actors’ bond goes back to 2000, but their friendship truly solidified on State of Play. Glenister recalls their instant connection, describing them as “grumpy” in a similar way—himself as a Southern grump and Simm as a Northern one. This shared sense of humor made their collaboration on Life on Mars feel like a natural next step. Glenister also reflected on his experience working on Life on Mars, noting the unique dynamic between his character, Gene Hunt, and Simm’s. Glenister saw Hunt as a figure of fun, rather than a strict, thuggish character, bringing humor to his role that resonated with audiences.
Life on Mars became a massive hit, attracting a devoted fanbase that remains loyal even after two decades. Glenister expressed his gratitude for the show’s lasting popularity, admitting that he had no idea it would become such a success. When the concept was first explained to him, he was unsure whether it would be a sci-fi show or something inspired by David Bowie. But once it was described as a mix between Back to the Future and The Sweeney, Glenister became intrigued and excited about the potential.
The ongoing success of Life on Mars and the actors’ strong professional and personal bond continue to captivate fans and remind them of the magic that can happen when two talented individuals come together.
