John Nettles, the lead actor in the original detective series Bergerac, recently revealed that he was offered a cameo role in the remake of the show but declined the offer. At 80 years old, Nettles felt that he was “too old” for the role and did not want to get in the way of the new production.
The original BBC series, which aired from 1981 to 1991 and was set in Jersey, featured Nettles as Detective Sergeant Jim Bergerac. UKTV announced that they would be releasing a “modern re-imagining” of the show with six episodes slated for release in 2025.
While Nettles appreciated being approached for a role in the remake, he ultimately decided not to participate. He mentioned receiving a letter from the producers outlining their plans for the new series and praised the talent involved in the production.
Writer Toby Whithouse shared that the new Bergerac series would bring back beloved supporting characters while introducing new friends and foes. He described the character of Bergerac as complex, driven, brilliant, and flawed, similar to the original portrayal by Nettles.
Filming for the new series is set to begin in Devon, although Nettles expressed his belief that filming should take place in Jersey due to its significance in the original show. He described the island as “beautiful” and integral to the essence of Bergerac.
The production company, Backlight TV, has requested £1.8m from Jersey’s government to contribute towards the production costs. Economic Development Minister Deputy Kirsten Morel shared that the government would consider investing in the project under certain conditions, including significant spending on the island, apprenticeship opportunities for young Jersey residents, and long-term benefits for the island through the global sale of the series.
Highlands College in Jersey has been approached about potential traineeships on the programme, providing an opportunity for local talent to gain experience in the television industry. The new Bergerac remake promises to bring a fresh take on the classic detective series while staying true to its roots in Jersey.