Other cast include Zoë Wanamaker and Philip Glenister
Casting is now confirmed for the re-imagined series of Bergerac (6x60’) with Damien Molony (The Split, Brassic, Crashing) set to step into the leading role of Jim Bergerac. The six-part UKTV Original series is produced by BlackLight TV, part of Banijay UK, 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.
Damien Molony said:"I’m incredibly excited to be stepping into the role of Jim Bergerac. 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."
Zoë Wanamaker (My Family, Shadow and Bone, Black Ops) will beplaying the role of Jim’s mother-in-law Charlie Hungerford – a change from the original series, alongside Philip Glenister (Steeltown Murders, Life on Mars) as Arthur 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. Bergerac will air on free to air channel U&DRAMA and free streaming service, U, in 2025.
"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"
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.
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.
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 (Wanamaker), 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.
Tricia Warwick, chief executive of Visit Jersey, comments: “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. 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.”
Brian Constantine, executive producer for Westward Studios, added: "We are absolutely thrilled by today’s cast announcement, having such an incredibly talented team of actors, combined with the world-class writing of Toby Whithouse, is a real boost. This project has been many years in the making, and now all that hard work is coming to fruition. Westward Studios is very honoured to be part of it. This fantastic collaboration will undoubtedly do Jersey proud."
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).
Bergerac is a brand-new UKTV Original commission and will air on U&DRAMA and U in 2025. UKTV recently announced the introduction of new masterbrand, U, which will see its free streaming service UKTV Play transition to U&DRAMA and U on 16th July and its family of free-to-air channels become U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&YESTERDAY, and U&W.
For more information, please contact:
Kelly Phelps, Publicity Manager, UKTV
Notes for Editors:
Robert Gilbert is represented by Denton Brierley
About Drama
Sky 143, Virgin Media 130, Freeview 20, Freesat 158
+1 Sky 243, Virgin Media 226, Freeview, 60
On demand on Sky, Virgin Media & UKTV Play
Free-to-air channel Drama is passionate about bringing Britain the best quality drama. From period to contemporary, family to comedy, the channel is a treasure trove of well-loved classics and modern drama with stories for viewers to fully immerse themselves in.
With programmes including familiar favourites Call the Midwife, The Bill, New Tricks and Silent Witness, and brand new and exclusive hits Sister Boniface Mysteries, Whitstable Pearl and Signora Volpe this is the channel where viewers can escape and indulge in a handpicked range of the nation's most celebrated TV dramas.
The channel’s offering has also expanded in recent years with the UKTV Original TV adaptation of Robert Thorogood’s hit novel The Marlow Murder Club. This two-part series stars Samantha Bond as no-nonsense, crossword-setter and wild-swimmer, Judith Potts, alongside Jo Martin, Cara Horgan and Natalie Dew.
Programming on U
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About UKTV
UKTV has been at the forefront of branded television for over 30 years, entertaining the nation with programmes they love. Its leading brands - Dave, Gold, W, Drama, Alibi, Eden and Yesterday - span comedy, entertainment, natural history, factual and scripted drama, and are delivered to audiences through UKTV Play, Sky, Virgin Media, Now Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, Freeview and Freesat; and to Irish viewers through Sky, Virgin Media, Eir, Vodafone and NOW. Channel & content availability varies by platform. UKTV’s content is also available to UK viewers via dedicated FAST channels on Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Freevee, Virgin and Pluto TV. UKTV is a significant investor in British creativity and is committed to working with new and established writers, directors and programme-makers. UKTV is part of BBC Studios, the UK's most-awarded production company, a world-class distributor with international branded services, and a commercial subsidiary of the world's leading public service broadcaster, the BBC.
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About Banijay UK
Banijay UK is a collective of leading independent television producers from around the UK. Our companies are responsible for some of the biggest TV brands on television including the MasterChef, Big Brother, Peaky Blinders, Deal or No Deal, SAS Rogue Heroes, Pointless, Ambulance and many more.
Banijay UK is part of media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, which is home to over 130 production companies across 21 territories, a multi-genre catalogue boasting over 180,000 hours of original standout programming, and a complementary live entertainment business – Banijay Events.
About BlackLight TV
BlackLight was formed in 2017 by Ben Bickerton and Philip Trethowan. Ben and Phil met when making the critically acclaimed film Ellen together and are backed by the Banijay Media Group. Ben and Phil both have over 20 years of experience making award-winning drama and film such as Being Human and The Curse of Steptoe. More recently BlackLight have made four series of the award-winning anthology On The Edge for Channel 4, which has been nominated for 11 BAFTA’s, winning one BAFTA Cymru as well as a host of other awards. They are currently in production for Cleddau/The One That Got Away, a new six-part drama series for S4C.
About Visit Jersey
Visit Jersey was established in March 2015, with the mission to promote tourism to and within Jersey in an innovative, economic, and efficient way. Under the leadership of CEO Tricia Warwick since April 2023, Visit Jersey brings a fresh approach to showcasing the island and repositioning Jersey as a destination in the minds of current and potential visitors internationally. The Visit Jersey team works collaboratively with the industry and government to drive growth and build a stronger, more sustainable visitor economy. For additional information visit Jersey.com or the Visit Jersey Travel Trade website.