Watch the official Bergerac teaser

Bergerac star Damien Molony poses in the burgundy Triumph Roadster which appeared in the original Bergerac series

Bergerac is back!

If you were a fan of the original ‘Bergerac’ detective series, set against the picturesque backdrop of Jersey, we hope you’ll be excited to learn that Bergerac is back and coming to a TV screen near you in early 2025. Damien Molony, best known for his roles in the TV shows Derry Girls and Brassic, will take over the role made famous by John Nettles in the 1980s.

If you haven’t watched the original series but enjoy a gripping crime drama, then you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for this exciting reboot.

 

Pictured: Damien Molony as Jim Bergerac driving the 1949 Triumph Roadster that appeared in the original series. 

The series is directed by Colm McCarthy (The Bastard Son & the Devil Himself, Peaky Blinders).

Doctor Who writer Toby Whithouse brings the drama to life, saying it was a “rare honour” to bring back a show as “iconic as Bergerac.”

Filming for the new six-episode first season kicked off in August 2024 and is described by Broadcaster UKTV as a “modern reimagining” of the show.

The original BBC One series ran for a decade between 1981 and 1991. Its mixture of stunning Jersey scenery, glamorous characters and intriguing crimes proved a massive hit, attracting nearly 15 million viewers at the height of its popularity and resulting in a spike in visitors to the island.

Want to know more about Bergerac’s official case file, including cast and plot details, release date and more info on characters and locations? Then read on!

Zoe Wannamaker and Damien Molony on the set of Bergerac in Jersey

Who has been cast in the new reboot?

Fans have been waiting with anticipation to hear which actor will be chosen to play the illustrious TV detective.

Irish actor Damien Molony, who has credits including Derry Girls, Brassic, The Split and Crashing to his name, stars in the reboot.

Zoë Wanamaker (My Family, Shadow and Bone, Black Ops) plays the role of Jim’s mother-in-law Charlie Hungerford alongside Philip Glenister (Steeltown Murders, Life on Mars) as Arthur Wakefield and Jerseyman Timothy Renouf as Julien Wakefield. Further cast include 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.

Writer Whithouse revealed that “just like his predecessor, our Bergerac is complex, driven, brilliant and flawed.”

Bergerac Jim Nettles Jersey

Will Bergerac's Triumph Roadster appear in the new series?

Yes! The Triumph Roadster – the iconic car that featured in the original series will appear, and with the same registration plate.

Damien Molony said: “When people talk about Bergerac, two things immediately spring to mind: Jersey, and the car. We’ve recently wrapped on filming, and I’ve had the best time stepping into the role of Jim Bergerac – I’ve even had the privilege of getting behind the wheel of the iconic Triumph Roadster. We couldn’t have re-imagined this series without paying homage to the original, and the car beautifully bridges the two. I can’t wait to share it with the fans.”

Pictured: John Nettles, who played Bergerac in the original series, leaning against the Triumph Roadster in St. Aubin’s Harbour, Jersey.

Where can I watch the new Bergerac series?

The exact release is to be confirmed but we do know that the new Bergerac series will air on U and U&Drama in early 2025.

What is the plot of Bergerac?

The original series followed the escapades of Detective Sergeant Jim Bergerac, a free-spirited yet troubled detective who finds himself working in Jersey, solving crimes whilst navigating the complexities of his personal life. Bergerac tackled cases ranging from catching jewel thieves to thwarting smugglers and even solving murders.

The new series will see Bergerac “thrown into a knotty, high-stakes police investigation and challenged to his very core.” The series will also see the detective “forced to confront his demons, while trying to save his family and career”.

When we meet Jim Bergerac he is a broken man, grappling with grief and alcoholism following his wife’s recent death. His mother-in-law, Charlie (Zoë Wanamaker), is concerned Jim isn’t putting his daughter Kim (Chloé Sweetlove) first and, when the daughter-in-law of wealthy businessman Arthur Wakefield (Philip Glenister) is murdered, Jim must fight through his personal struggles to become the formidable investigator he once was.

Where Bergerac solved a different case in each episode in the original series, the new series will tell one single mystery that’s said to be “character-led” and spanning all six episodes.

What made Bergerac unique?

Bergerac stood out for its stunning Jersey locations, blending thrilling detective stories with the island’s unique charm and scenery. The series not only showcased the beauty of Jersey but also integrated local culture and characters into its storytelling.

 

Pictured: Louise Jameson as Susan Young and John Nettles as Jim Bergerac in front of Mont Orgueil Castle.

Who were the main characters in the original series of Bergerac?

Pictured: John Nettles as Jim Bergerac , Deborah Grant as Deborah Bergerac and Terence Alexander as Charlie Hungerford. 

Jim Bergerac (John Nettles)

Charlie Hungerford (Terence Alexander)

Deborah Bergerac (Deborah Grant)

Diamante Lil (Mela White)

Iconic Jersey Locations Featured in the original Bergerac TV show

Jersey’s stunning beaches, quaint fishing harbours, dramatic headlands and bustling town were all used as locations for the original Bergerac. Time will tell which locations feature in the new series. For now, here’s a recap of some of the stunning spots featured in the 1980s show.

St. Helier

St. Helier, the bustling capital of the island, featured prominently in the series. Many scenes were shot around the harbour offering viewers picturesque views of the marina and the town’s historic architecture.

Mont Orgueil Castle

This iconic medieval landmark sits majestically over Gorey Harbour in the east of the island, providing a dramatic backdrop for many episodes. Its imposing presence and historical significance added depth to the series’ setting.

St. Brelade’s Bay

This stunning beach was a frequent location for scenes that required a serene and beautiful coastal setting. Its golden sands and clear waters made it a perfect spot for both tense and tranquil moments. The picturesque church at the western end of the bay was also often used for filming.

The Old Court House, St. Aubin

A popular pub and restaurant overlooking St. Aubin’s Harbour with its instantly recognisable window that resembles the stern of an old sailing ship, The Old Courthouse was known as ‘The Royal Barge’ in the original series.

Rozel Bay

A quaint fishing harbour in the north-eastern corner of the island, Rozel Bay, was often used to depict the island’s more secluded and charming side. The colourful boats and peaceful atmosphere made it a memorable location in the series.

Noirmont Point

This headland offered dramatic cliffs and sweeping views of the sea, making it a favourite for more intense and dramatic scenes and highlighting Jersey’s rugged natural beauty.

Stay tuned...

Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting Bergerac reboot as filming kicks off on-island this summer.

Or if you’ve been inspired by Bergerac’s Jersey escapades, why not start planning your own island adventure today?

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