John Nettles, the original Jim Bergerac, has officially bestowed his blessing upon Damien Molony as he takes on the iconic role of Jersey's beloved detective in the reboot of Bergerac. The new series premiered on February 27, 2025, on UKTV, reinvigorated for modern audiences and carrying the legacy of the original, which aired from 1981 to 1991 on BBC One.
At 81 years old, Nettles stepped back from appearing in the reboot, stating he felt he was "too old" for a cameo. After being contacted by the producers, Nettles praised the project's ambition, noting the impressive talent involved. "I'm not going to do it because I can't do it - I'm too old and I'd just get in the way," he explained to the BBC.
Damien Molony, 40, known for his role in Brassic, expressed his excitement for stepping back onto Jersey’s picturesque scenery as the titular sleuth. Molony shared, "We had lunch about three weeks ago," referring to his time with Nettles, where they reminisced about the island and its gastronomy. He quoted Nettles saying, "Bergerac has been so good to my career, I hope it's as good to yours," reflecting the sentimentality tied to the character.
The new Bergerac takes on a darker, more serious tone compared to the whimsical charm of its predecessor. Unlike the original series, which presented different cases each week, this reboot revolves around one complex murder case — the murder of a wealthy local and the abduction of her child, investigated over the six episodes. The show’s executive producer, Toby Whitehouse, aimed to retain nostalgia for the original series yet infuse it with modern sensibilities and storytelling depth.
Notably, Nettles explained, the reboot had to adapt to contemporary themes, leaving behind the quaint image of Jersey and exploring the darker nuances of human relationships and emotions. "To bring the series up to date, they had to leave behind...that idea of Jersey as an insular backwater; small, quaint, cute, all those things," he said. "What they did was make it darker, more serious, which involves a much deep look at the relationships between people. That has to happen because there's no point in just repeating something. "
This refreshing format has Molony thrilled, as he noted the nostalgic connection viewers have with the original Bergerac, presenting challenges to introduce new viewers to the narrative. He expressed, "Everyone loves Bergerac. Everyone loves the original Bergerac and so starting a new job...after all the positivity from the announcement of the show, people were just so happy to have Bergerac back."
Damien discovered he had landed the role of Bergerac when he was in London, recalling the moment he "screamed" with joy, which culminated in hugging his wife and children before calling his father to share the news. Reflecting on the original series, the remake aims to deliver more thought-provoking content over the episodic nature of previous installments.
Supporting the main story are familiar faces, including Zoë Wanamaker as Charlie Hungerford and Philip Glenister as Arthur Wakefield, underlining the reboot's intention to weave a rich narrative spun with old yet new undercurrents. Haywood, who plays Margaret Heaton, commented on Nettles’ absence, saying it was disappointing not to have him involved but recognized his choice, emphasizing how individuals often prefer to let the past exist independently. "I was quite sad...it would have been lovely to have met him but I respect and understand why he said, 'No, I've moved on.'"
The new Bergerac series is described as gripping and serious, examining the personal struggles of its central character as he confronts the loss of his wife. This ushers the audience through the emotional whirlwind of his return to work amid personal turmoil. “Is Bergerac up to the job?” the promotional material beckons, emphasizing his challenge to reclaim not only his detective skills but also his personal life.
With its fresh take on crime-solving narratives, as well as its engaging arcs featuring complex characters, the reboot seeks to appeal to both dedicated fans of the classic series and new audiences eager for captivating dramas. It is this mixture of old and new—the respect paid to the original series, fused with elements meant to resonate today—that sets Bergerac apart as it returns to the screens.
The Bergerac reboot promises thrilling suspense, engaging character arcs, and thought-provoking themes, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Jersey. Viewers will get the chance to witness Bergerac navigate his new reality and unravel mysteries on February 27, 2025. Available on U&Drama, the series stands as both nostalgia for fans and exciting new content for newcomers to the popular saga.