Damien Molony (Brassic, Being Human, The Split) has been selected to step into the shoes of John Nettles, as he takes the leading role in UKTV’s new version of the classic Jersey-based detective drama, ‘Bergerac‘ from Toby Whithouse.
‘Bergerac’ is based on the original series created by Robert Banks Stewart, which starred John Nettles and ran for nine series on the BBC between 1981 and 1991. The modern re-imagining will honour the iconic detective drama but with a contemporary twist. Unlike the original hit from the 80s, the new series will see one character-led murder mystery run across all six episodes, in place of a new storyline each episode.
“I’m incredibly excited to be stepping into the role of Jim Bergerac,” said Molony. “John Nettles has left an incredible legacy with big shoes to fill, and I hope I can bring a fresh new take on this iconic character. I can’t wait for audiences to join me on this journey.”
Viewers will meet Jim Bergerac (Molony) as a broken man, grappling with grief and alcoholism following his wife’s recent death. His mother-in-law, Charlie, played by Zoë Wanamaker (My Family, Shadow and Bone, Black Ops), is concerned Jim isn’t putting his daughter Kim first and, when a woman from a wealthy Jersey family is murdered, Jim must fight through his personal struggles to become the formidable investigator he once was.
With a troublesome convict resurfacing from his past, Bergerac is required to call on his sharp investigative instincts and past successes to navigate the intricate family dynamics, and watchful eyes of the police force, in order to solve the case.
Alongside Molony and Wanamaker, the series also stars Philip Glenister (Steeltown Murders, Life on Mars) as Arthur Wakefield, Pippa Haywood (Green Wing, Bodyguard) as Margaret Heaton, Robert Gilbert (Big Boys, Killing Eve) as Barney Crozier, Sasha Behar (Unforgotten, Casualty) as Uma Dalal and Celine Arden (Us or Them) as Kara.
The series is written by Toby Whithouse (The Red King, Being Human), alongside Brian Fillis (Trust, Sirens), Catherine Tregenna (The One That Got Away, Three Pines) and Polly Buckle (Love Rat, A Discovery of Witches). Banijay Rights will handle international distribution for the series, which is produced by BlackLight TV, part of Banijay UK, alongside Jersey-based Westward Studios and supported by Visit Jersey. Filming will begin this month, with locations in the UK and the Channel Island of Jersey.
“For many, the words ‘Jersey’ and ‘Bergerac’ are synonymous, and we are delighted for the iconic TV series to return to our island’s beautiful shores for filming this summer,” adds Tricia Warwick, chief executive of Visit Jersey. “The modern re-imagining of Bergerac presents an opportunity to celebrate the show’s legacy in Jersey, whilst reaching a new generation of fans who will be eager to ‘set jet’ to the featured locations. We look forward to working with UKTV, Banijay UK, and BlackLight TV to showcase Jersey’s unique charm and picturesque landscapes through the lens of this beloved show in a fresh, contemporary way.”
Bergerac has been commissioned by Hilary Rosen, director of commissioning for UKTV, and ordered by Paula Fitzgerald, head of digital content for UKTV Play, and Emma Ayech, channel director for Drama. Executive producers for BlackLight TV are Ben Bickerton, Philip Trethowan and Toby Whithouse. Brian Constantine is executive producer for Westward Studios. Helen Perry, head of drama, will be executive producer for UKTV. The series will be directed by Colm McCarthy (The Bastard Son & the Devil Himself, Peaky Blinders) and produced by Clare Alan (Resistance, Rebellion).
If you’re wondering about the UKTV channel names (and I wouldn’t blame you), UKTV recently announced the introduction of a new “masterbrand” which basically adds “U” to everything… So, on 16th July 2024, its free streaming service, UKTV Play, transitions to be called just “U” (clearly the genius who thought of that was the same one who thought “W” was a great name for a TV channel, and doesn’t understand how internet searches work…) Its family of free-to-air channels become U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&YESTERDAY, and U&W. (Yes… I know it’s horrible. I hate it, but they’re doing it, so here we are. Great shows, terrible rebrand!)
‘Bergerac‘ is a brand-new UKTV Original commission and will air on U&DRAMA and streaming service U in 2025. If you want to keep track of this or any other show, you can add it via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date.
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