TV shows to look forward to in 2010

The new decade sees the arrival of new shows and the return/revival of existing favourites that should make fascinating viewing.

The Prisoner

The 17-episode cult 1960 hit is remade, with Jim Caviezel taking the lead. A former secret agent, kidnapped and held prisoner in a mysterious, remote seaside village (actually Portmeirion), where people are known by numbers, he faces Ian McKellen as mysterious adversary, Number Two (played by Leo McKern in the original) who attempts to determine the reason for his abrupt resignation from his post. Originally starring and co-created by Patrick McGoohan, it combines spy fiction, science fiction and psychological drama.

The Deep

This stunning series is shot in Scotland with an all-star cast. Set in a submarine exploring the sea looking for new life forms, the crew find themselves marooned after an accident.

Doctor Who

The new era kicks off properly in the spring, with Matt Smith in the title role and Karen Gillan sporting an assortment of short skirts as companion Amy Pond. The Daleks are set to meet Winston Churchill, with Vincent Van Gogh due to hook up with the time travellers.

Ashes to Ashes

The final series of the franchise that commenced with "Life On Mars," is set in 1983, with Alex Drake continuing her quest to be reunited with Mollie, whilst evading the "charms" of DCI Gene Hunt. Answers have been promised as to the real nature of the seemingly incorrigible Hunt, but some ambiguity must surely remain.

24

Jack returns, for the final time, if rumours are to be believed. Allison Taylor, Chloe O'Brien and Renee Walker are the only other regulars returning for Day 8. The plot is likely to play out as the customary terrorist hazard, but Katee Sackhoff and Freddie Prinze Jr. are interesting embellishments to the cast.

Survivors

Survivors returns for a second series in January, off the back of the cliff-hanger that saw Greg shot and Abby kidnapped. Series 2 promises the revelation of the ominous back story of the virus, along with plenty of moral ambiguity from seductive criminal, Tom (Max Beesley).

Heroes

BBC2 moving the 4th series of the high-powered show into the late Saturday night slot demonstrated little confidence. However, with the arrival of Robert Knepper (T-bag from "Prison Break") as homicidal carnival leader Samuel, optimism remains for the ailing series, especially as some form of conflict with the awe-inspiring Sylar seems inevitable.

Lost

The eighteen-episode, 6th series will be the last, the final episode scheduled for May 2010. Since the announcement of its 2010 ending, way back in May 2007, the show has been compelling viewing. With plenty of intriguing plot lines to be resolved, the final series looks set to continue in a similar vein.

The Apprentice

The 6th series sees the glamorous Karren Brady replacing stalwart Margaret Mountford. Fans will have to wait until after the General Election in June, such is the BBC's concern that Lord Sugar might represent free advertising for Labour.