FILMING for a reboot of the “beloved and iconic” Jersey-based detective drama Bergerac will begin this summer with a BBC-owned broadcaster announcing that it has commissioned a six-episode series “with a contemporary twist” to air next year.
Based on the original series created by Robert Banks Stewart, which starred John Nettles and ran on the BBC between 1981 and 1991, the new show has been commissioned by UKTV – which is part of BBC Studios.
It will stream for free on UKTV Play and air on Drama in 2025, with casting to be announced in the coming months and filming due to begin this summer.
The broadcaster has confirmed that Jersey will be among the filming locations.
“The modern re-imagining will honour the iconic detective drama, but with a contemporary twist, as Bergerac is thrown into a knotty, high-stakes police investigation and challenged to his very core. He will be forced to confront his demons, while trying to save his family and career,” UKTV said in a statement.
The six-part series is being produced by BlackLight TV, which part of Banijay UK, and written by Toby Whithouse – whose portfolio includes writing for Doctor Who – alongside Brian Fillis, Catherine Tregenna and Polly Buckle.
Banijay Rights will handle international distribution for the series.
The original hit 80s drama followed Jim Bergerac as a detective in the fictional Le Bureau des Étrangers department in the States of Jersey Police, dealing with non-Jersey residents.
Unlike its predecessor, the new show will see one character-led murder mystery run across all six episodes – instead of a new storyline for each.
Mr Whithouse said: “It’s a rare honour to bring back a show as beloved and iconic as Bergerac. Our mission was always to respect the show’s history and legacy, while making it impactful and relevant for a modern-day audience. We’ll be bringing back other beloved supporting characters, as well as introducing new friends and foes. Just like his predecessor, our Bergerac is complex, driven, brilliant and flawed.”
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel last month confirmed that the government was considering a possible £1.8 million investment into the show, with officers working with Visit Jersey to determine if it represents “value for money”.
He explained at the time that part of the incentive for backing the programme would be “to have it produced in Jersey”.
The JEP has contacted Deputy Morel for comment.
