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A BBC-owned broadcaster has confirmed that it has commissioned a reboot of the "beloved and iconic" detective drama Bergerac and that some filming will happen in Jersey – but Government is still yet to declare whether it will provide a funding boost.
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 and is promising to offer "a contemporary twist" on the hit 80s series across six-episodes.
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.
Previous media speculation has suggested that TV stars David Tennant, Aidan Turner and James Norton have all been considered for the top role, but no details as to the lead have been revealed as yet.
"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 Bafta-winning writer Toby Whithouse alongside Brian Fillis, Catherine Tregenna and Polly Buckle.
Banijay Rights will handle international distribution for the series.
Pictured: John Nettles became so iconic as Jim Bergerac that he even met HM Queen Elizabeth II in Jersey on Liberation Day.
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”.
Express has contacted Deputy Morel for comment.
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