BERGERAC: FIRST LOOK AT DAMIEN MOLONY IN LEADING ROLE ON REIMAGINING OF CLASSIC DRAMA

Casting has been announced 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.

Zoe Wanamaker (My Family, Shadow and Bone, Black Ops) will be playing 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.

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.

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."

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 is a brand-new UKTV Original commission and will air on U&DRAMA and U in 2025.