Jack Bauer picks up in 24 where he left off: battered and bloody but this time on the streets of London (with a sexy makeover for nerdy Chloe)

It was always one of the most action-packed series on television.
And the newest season of 24 looks to be as explosive as ever, as first pictures of the cast filming on Wednesday show the action has relocated to London.
Kiefer Sutherland looked grim-faced as he prepared to reprise his role as former CTU agent turned fugitive Jack Bauer for the scenes.
However, despite Kiefer's bloodied and bruised appearance, it was his co-star Mary Lynn Rajskub who courted the most attention on the set - mainly because of her incredibly dramatic makeover.

Bloodied but back! Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer in the new 24 series set in London

Makeover: Mary Lynn Rajskub looks entirely different as she reprises her role as Chloe O'Brian for he new series

Transformation: Mary Lynn gets The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo makeover, seen on set on Wednesday (left) and in the last series of 24

Action stars: The excitement of the US TV show comes to London as Kiefer and his co-star Mary Lynn begin filming the 12-part show

Mary Lynn, who returns to the show as Chloe O'Brian, is worlds apart from her former plain  appearance.
With a short, spiky haircut and heavy make-up, skintight leather trousers, black top and leather jacket with brown biker-style boots she appeared to have had something of a Girl With The Dragon Tattoo makeover.
And just like Noomi Rapace in the film version of the famous book, Mary Lynn completed her look with several piercings in her ears.

Explosive scenes! Kiefer films as 24's Jack Bauer in London

Gun in hand: Bauer looks back in the old groove as he holds on tight to his weapon

On the run: As the series returns, Jack is a fugitive in London, being chased by a CIA agent

Hunk on set! Kiefer looks fitter than ever as he reprises his role of Jack Bauer

Up in flames! A London cab is flipped upside down and burns as cameras roll

Action: There is no doubt the latest series is filmed in London with the iconic taxi complete with Union Jack print

Watch out: Actors on set jumped as the explosion went off around them

She said recently of the returning series: 'I have a lot of people who refuse to call me anyone but Chloe. I never thought 24 would come back and in this format.'
The pair were at the epicentre of the action as their characters were caught up in a scene involving the exploding of a London cab as they filmed the scenes near Aldgate in east London.
The vehicle, which featured a large Union Jack on one side, was seen disappearing into a ball of flames as debris flew around.

Injury: It appears that Chloe gets injured in the blast with Jack then helping her hobble off

Making a swift exit: Jack clutches a gun as he and Chloe leave the scene

Getting her to safety: Jack carries Chloe away from danger

And the explosion had clearly left both Jack and Chloe injured, as he was seen leading his former co-worker out of harm's way following the incident.
Clearly keen to make it clear that the new series was being filmed in London, several other notoriously British landmarks including a red telephone box, a red postbox and a London bus also made an appearance during filming.
Kiefer still managed to look stylish for the scenes, wearing jeans, muddied boots and a leather jacket.

Cuddling up: Mary Lynn and Kiefer are clearly enjoying working together once again

Time for a touch-up! A make-up artist makes Kiefer's blood look even more real

Just a spritz! Kiefer makes his sweat look all the more realistic with a touch of Dr Hauschka

Prior to filming, Kiefer admitted to being more than a little anxious about the project, saying: 'I'm terrified. I won't lie to you.
'Until we start shooting, I'm about as anxious and wound up as I've been in a long time.'
After the end of the last series, Kiefer's Jack Bauer remains a fugitive and CIA agent Kate Morgan, played by Chuck star Yvonne Strahovski, is after him.
'In the minds of the CIA, he’s not quite Osama bin Laden but he’s a fugitive of a high order,'  executive producer Evan Katz said.

Making a dash for it: Extras were seen running away from the fire as the cab burst into flames

Smash up: Producers are clearly going all out to ensure this series is as action-packed as the last eight

Chaos: The street was completely transformed with the flipped taxi and smashed up car

'We will learn he has a mission. Whether it’s good or dark we don’t know, but the CIA is determined to catch him.'
The action starts four years after the drama’s final season and will play out, as usual, in real time. However, unlike previous seasons, there will only be 12 episodes, instead of 24. 

Explaining previously how the new condensed series will be paced, Gordon said: 'We’re going to take advantage of the time.

Laughter's the best medicine: Kiefer and Mary Lynn were seen laughing in between takes

Wrapped up warm: The chilly London temperatures are a clear contrast for Kiefer and Mary Lynn, who are more used to shooting in Los Angeles

Action packed: The scenes were filmed near Aldgate, east London. Kiefer previously apologised for any problems their filming in the capital would cause

'The story will be 12 hours over a day, but we'll take advantage of the fact that we can go from seven o'clock to nine o'clock.'
The series, which originally ran for eight seasons between 2001 and 2010, won an Emmy award for Outstanding Drama Series in 2006, and Sutherland won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in the same year.
Kiefer also recently said that the new series doesn't necessarily mean that a 24 movie won't happen.

Part of the scene: Kiefer and his co-star could be seen standing behind the over turned car

All of a blaze: Passers-by looked on as a car was blown up in the street

I want you to hold it just like this: Kiefer gets a lesson in how to look cool while brandishing an imaginary gun

Speaking via Total Film, he said: 'The film is an ongoing situation. There's always an opportunity to do that. Howard [Gordon] came up with an idea for a 12-episode run at this, and it was the opportunity that presented itself to us first.'
He explained. 'It was a fantastic idea, and it's something that we’re very excited about doing, and it’s something that we’re really primarily focused on. So, if this ends up rebooting the show or causing a film to be made, so be it.'

Touch up: The stars were given a make-up touch up on set while standing next to a phone box