Other cast include Zo Wanamaker and Philip GlenisterCasting 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 cant wait for audiences to join me on this journey."
Zo 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 Jerseys 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
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