Simm (right) will not appear in the sequel to Life on Mars

The low-budget film, which is currently shooting in the UK, sees the duo ditch their TV police personas and take on the characters of career criminals.

"John and I are the bad boys," Glenister told BBC Radio 2. "We rob a bank. We rob a few banks, actually."

More than seven million people tuned in to BBC One to see the final episode of Life On Mars last month.

The show followed modern-day policeman Sam Tyler, played by Simm, who found himself mysteriously transported back to the 1970s.

The role has earned Simm a nomination for best actor at this weekend's Bafta TV awards.

Period drama

Glenister, who played politically incorrect DCI Gene Hunt in the series, said he was glad not to be pitted against his co-star for the prize.

Glenister is currently filming a costume drama for the BBC

"It would have been difficult," he said. "Not fun."

"When you look at the category, he's the only actor playing a fictional character, and he's the only actor in a series.

"He had to maintain that level of performance over six months, I hope Bafta recognise that."

Glenister, who said he was "contracted" to work with Simm once a year, is currently dividing his time between Tuesday and the Cranford Chronicles - a BBC costume drama based on three novels by Wives and Daughters author Elizabeth Gaskell.

"I'm flitting from the 1880s to the 1980s on a daily basis," he said. "I'm all over the shop."

The actor will also begin filming the sequel to Life On Mars, called Ashes To Ashes, later this year.

Simm's character will not appear in the new series, with a female detective from the 21st Century taking his place.