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"Principal filming" for Bergerac TV reboot to take place in Jersey

Monday 08 July 2024

"Principal filming" for Bergerac TV reboot to take place in Jersey

Monday 08 July 2024


Filming for outdoor sequences in the Bergerac reboot will be taking place in Jersey, a Minister has confirmed, as the names of some of those due to star in the show were revealed at the weekend.

It emerged yesterday that Irish actor Damien Molony, who has starred in several BBC shows, will take on the reimagined role of Jim Bergerac in the upcoming reboot announced earlier this year.

The new six-episode series – commissioned by BBC-owned broadcaster UKTV – will be directed by Peaky Blinders director Colm McCarthy.

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Pictured: Damien Molony will star as the reimagined Jim Bergerac. (UKTV)

Also forming part of the cast is Zoë Wanamaker (My Family and Harry Potter), who will play the role of Jim’s mother-in-law Charlie Hungerford in a change from the original series, alongside Philip Glenister (Life on Mars) as Arthur Wakefield.

Jersey's government is planning to back the show with a grant on the condition that a number of benefits for the island are delivered.

Potential for "a successful TV show"

Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel this morning said he was "really pleased" by the casting, citing Mr Molony's "strong track record" and calibre of both the supporting cast and writer Toby Whithouse, whose portfolio includes writing for Doctor Who

Deputy Morel added: "It gives me as minister some comfort in the production and a strong sense that this will be a successful TV show."

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Pictured: Deputy Morel said he had a "strong sense" that the Bergerac reboot will be a success.

Details on the amount of funding that Jersey will be backing the show with are yet to be revealed, but Deputy Morel once again stressed that any release of funds would be tied to an obligation that production would support Jersey’s economy and that local apprentices would be involved.

He also previously said that he hoped Bergerac's production would be a "catalyst" for creating Jersey's own screen commission.

How much will be filmed in Jersey?

Many iconic Jersey locations featured in the 1980s series.

The original Bureau des Étrangers was located in the States building in the Royal Square before moving to Haut de la Garenne, while Jim Bergerac's home was in Queen's Valley.

'The Royal Barge', also a common feature of the series, was located at the Old Court House in St Aubin, while Windward House on Mont Sohier – demolished in 2012 – was used for both internal and external filming.

And filming on two other occasions also strayed into Sark and Alderney.

However, it has not yet been made clear how much of the filming, due to begin this month, will take place in the island or will be shot in the UK.

Deputy Morel told Express this morning that he did not have the exact number of locations, but added that: "What I do know is that principal filming, external filming, is in Jersey."

He explained that indoor sequences were those most likely to be done in a UK studio.

Deputy Morel also confirmed the Government had "secured an element of apprenticeships" as part of the deal.

Bergerac is being produced by BlackLight TV, part of Banijay UK, and Jersey-based Westward Studios with support from Visit Jersey.

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