Stars of Bergerac in Jersey for series premiere

Bergerac gets its Jersey premiere today ahead of hitting TV screens on Thursday (27 February).

The iconic eighties detective series has had a reboot, with Damien Molony as lead character Jim Bergerac alongside Zoe Wanamaker as Charlie Hungerford and Philip Glenister as Arthur Wakefield.

Cast, creators and crew are due on the red carpet at Cineworld from 3.30pm.

Executive Producer Brian Constantine is hoping islanders give them a Jersey welcome:

"It is an honour to hold the Bergerac premiere in Jersey, the home of this iconic series.

"Bringing the show back to where it all began is incredibly special, and we’re thrilled to celebrate this moment with the local community.

With many of the cast, creators, and crew in attendance, it promises to be an unforgettable evening, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Bergerac.

Islanders are encouraged to come and watch the arrival of the guests, interact with the stars alongside the red carpet, and give them all a real Jersey welcome."

 Damien Molony as Jim Bergerac on the sands of Jersey's St Ouen's Bay.

The original Bergerac created by Robert Banks Stewart and starring John Nettles, ran for nine series from 1981-1991.  We're told this reimagining will pay homage, with 'subtle nods' to its namesake.

Bergerac's Triumph Roadster – the iconic car that featured in the original series will appear, and with the same registration plate.

 John Nettles as Jim Bergerac with his Triumph Roadster in St Aubin's Bay 

Unlike the 80s hit series, which had a new storyline for each episode, this murder mystery will run across all six episodes.

The synopsis:

"Viewers first meet Jim Bergerac as a broken man, battling his demons and on leave after the death of his wife. But when a member of one of Jersey’s wealthiest families is murdered, Chief of Police Uma Dalal (Sasha Behar) wants their best detective on the case. Bergerac returns to work to help him become the formidable detective he once was, whilst also trying to prove to his daughter Kim (Sweetlove) and mother-in-law Charlie Hungerford (Wanamaker) that his life is back on track. 

The Wakefield’s, led by patriarch and businessman Arthur (Glenister), are keeping their cards close to their chests, whilst a man from Bergerac’s past resurfaces to make a shocking accusation. Is Bergerac up to the job?

The new Bergerac has been written by Toby Whithouse, Catherine Tregenna, Brian Fillas and Polly Buckle and produced by BlackLight TV - part of Banijay UK-, Jersey based Westward Studios and supported by Visit Jersey.

Filming took place at various locations in Jersey in the summer of 2024, with production then moving to Devon.

READ: FIRST LOOK: Images from the new Bergerac TV series

The production has been supported by £1.2m in government funding.

Tricia Warwick, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Jersey said:

"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." 

It comes as research 1 in 8 of is takes inspiration from TV shows and films when planning trips.

Research from ABTA - the trade association for tour operators and travel agents- suggests the so-called 'seen-on-screen' effect is driving enquiries and bookings for locations.

READ: Jersey actor cast in Bergerac reboot

The series is free to watch on the streaming platform 'U' from 27 February 2025.