Bergerac reboot to begin filming in Jersey this summer

A reboot of the detective series Bergerac will begin filming this summer.

The original BBC series, based in and depicting Jersey, aired from 1981 to 1991 - featuring John Nettles as detective Jim Bergerac.

Broadcaster UKTV announced the "modern re-imagining" of the show would have a six episode release in 2025.

The government said it was still considering investing "significant amounts of public money" into it.

Writer Toby Whithouse said it was a "rare honour" to bring back a show as "iconic as Bergerac".

UKTV said the new series would "honour the iconic detective drama, but with a contemporary twist" and confirmed Jersey would be among the filming locations.

Mr Whithouse said: "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."

John Nettles, the original Bergerac, said the show's revival was a "good thing for Jersey" and he wished those involved "well with the venture".

"[I] can't remember how many times a re-boot has been planned, but this UKTV 're-imagined' series looks as if it will actually make it to the screen," he said.

The Government of Jersey had previously been asked for £1.8m to fund the series remake.

Speaking in February Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham said the investment was "being considered", but would need to go to the Council of Ministers.

Deputy Kirsten Morel, the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, said they were happy with the announcement.

He said: "Government officers have been working closely with Visit Jersey and industry experts to assess the Bergerac project and its potential for an investment of significant amounts of public money.

"This work is ongoing but we are pleased to see that the producers and TV channel have announced today that they are committed to producing the Bergerac remake."

UKTV said Bergerac would air on Drama in 2025 and be available to stream for free on UKTV Play.

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