The government has backed the return of Bergerac via millions of pounds in grant funding to Visit Jersey – but what has supporting a revamped detective drama achieved for the Island so far?
Earlier this week, UKTV announced that filming for the third season is under way.
The contemporary reimagining of the popular 80s detective drama of the same name made its debut in February 2025, subsequently drawing in 2.4 million viewers across U and U&DRAMA that year.
It returned with a second outing launched a few months ago, which has so far been watched by an average of 1.3m viewers across its six-episode run.
While funding was provided to support and enable production in Jersey…it was also a strategic investment in Bergerac as a long-term platform to grow international awareness of Jersey and stimulate future visitor demand
Visit Jersey spokesperson
To support season one and two, Visit Jersey received grants of £713,897.47 and £1,423,000 from via the government’s Better Business Support Package – but has not yet been able to disclose details regarding the upcoming third series “due to commercial confidentiality”.
A spokesperson for the organisation said: “The investment was made in lieu of the screen production incentives that exist in other jurisdictions.
“For example, the UK offers a 30-40% tax credit for film and TV productions, Ireland up to 32%, and Malta a 40% cash rebate.”
They also cited the Global Incentives Index 2026, which noted the importance of incentives in attracting high-value inward investment and building local skills and infrastructure for film and TV production, “which continues to grow globally”.
The spokesperson continued: “While funding was provided to support and enable production in Jersey (in lieu of the screen production incentives referenced above) it was also a strategic investment in Bergerac as a long-term platform to grow international awareness of Jersey and stimulate future visitor demand.
“As a result of the partnership, the Island has benefited from UKTV’s significant investment in the marketing and publicity surrounding the series, as well as visibility on BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, and international markets.
“We are unable to disclose UKTV’s marketing expenditure, but they invested heavily in promoting both series one and two (without funding from Visit Jersey) including extensive digital, TV, and outdoor advertising across prime city centres throughout the UK (including takeovers of Piccadilly Circus and King’s Cross in London).”
What has the impact been so far?
Visit Jersey told Express that, to-date, the first two series of the new Bergerac have delivered the following:
Economic value and community benefit
- £1.57 million on-island production spend directly into local tourism and hospitality businesses
- 1,990 hotel room nights booked by the production team during filming
- 16 Jersey trainees employed throughout filming and gained skills training
- 380 Jersey supporting artists given the opportunity to appear in the programme
- 35 Jersey crew employed during filming
- 6 Jersey actors cast in roles
Awareness and visibility
- 3.7 million viewers on UKTV, plus additional viewership via Channel 4, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer (Viewership figures for Channel 4 and BBC not yet available)
- 12 international markets where Bergerac has been distributed to top broadcasters so far
- One in four visitors to Jersey in 2025 had watched series one and 70% of visitors who said Bergerac influenced their trip were first-time visitors to the Island.
Visit Jersey chief executive Tricia Warwick also said recently that “our latest research (YouGov) shows that Bergerac viewers are three times more likely to consider visiting [Jersey] in the future”.
Speaking to Express, executive producer Brian Constantine said that the benefits of Bergerac to Jersey “extend far beyond the immediate financial return”.
“While the economic impact is significant and will continue to deliver value long into the future, the series has also provided priceless global exposure for the Island, showcasing Jersey to audiences around the world,” he continued.
“During production alone, millions of pounds have been spent within the local economy, supporting businesses across a wide range of sectors.
“From thousands of hotel room nights and extensive use of local catering services, to transport providers, security companies and the employment of supporting artists, the production has created meaningful opportunities for Island businesses and residents alike.
“Perhaps most importantly, the trainee scheme has given dozens of young Islanders their first opportunity to work on a major television production.”
Mr Constantine added that breaking into the TV industry was “notoriously difficult”.
“These paid placements have provided invaluable hands-on experience, professional contacts and a genuine first step on the career ladder.
“That legacy will continue long after filming has wrapped, leaving Jersey with a stronger, more skilled creative workforce for years to come.”
The trainee scheme
The latest iteration of the Bergerac Jersey Trainee Scheme is offering ten paid
placements for Jersey residents who are passionate about film and television and
looking to take their first step into the industry.
The six-day programme will run from 13 to 15 September and 17 to 19 September,
providing successful applicants with hands-on experience alongside professional cast
and crew.
Trainees will have the chance to gain experience across multiple departments, including production, locations, design, props, costume, hair and make-up, assistant directors, continuity and script, camera, grip, lighting and sound.
How to apply:
To apply, applicants must:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Be a Jersey resident
- Submit a CV and covering letter, including their first and second department
preferences
Applications should be emailed to bergeracprod@gmail.com by 9am on Friday 14
August.
Applicants will be asked to rank their first and second department preferences in their
covering letter, and the production team will aim to give each trainee experience in at
least one of their preferred areas.
Successful applicants must be available for all six training days and able to travel to and
from a designated meeting point in St Helier each day.
Working hours will vary and may include early starts and late finishes. Trainees will be paid £153 per day (including holiday pay).
