<P> Ruth Tyler ( Joanne Froggatt in 1973 & Judi Jones in 2006 ) is the mother of Sam Tyler . Sam meets her whilst in 1973 , incognito , improvising the name `` Detective Inspector Bolan '' when asked his name - he had spoken with musician Marc Bolan the previous evening . He meets her again when the CID deduces his father Vic might be involved with the Morton brothers . </P>
who played sam tyler 's mom in life on mars
Joanne Froggatt in 1973 Judi Jones in 2006