Damien Molony takes on the role of John Nettles in the new series

Damien Molony has been cast in the role of legendary television character Jim Bergerac in the upcoming reboot of Bergerac for U&DRAMA and U.

The original series by Robert Banks Stewart aired on BBC One between 1981 and 1991. John Nettles played the famous detective, a recovering alcoholic and divorced father of a young daughter.

Jim Bergerac was a real loner and preferred to do things his own way – and therefore did not always conduct his investigations the way his boss would have liked!

Now the unorthodox detective is returning to our screens… and “Split” actor Damien Molony is taking on the lead role of Jim Bergerac.

Here’s everything we know so far, including the full cast.

Is there a new series from Bergerac?

Those of us of a certain age (ahem, ahem, me) will know that Bergerac is based on the original series by Robert Banks Stewart. John Nettles played DS Jim Bergerac and the series ran for nine seasons on BBC One between 1981 and 1991.

We’re told the modern reimagining will “pay homage to the iconic detective drama, but with a contemporary twist.” Unlike the original ’80s hit, the new series will feature a character-driven crime story in all six episodes, rather than a new storyline in each episode.

Viewers meet Jim Bergerac as a broken man struggling with grief and alcoholism after the death of his wife. His mother-in-law Charlie is concerned that Jim is not putting his daughter Kim first… Jim is called to investigate when a woman from a wealthy Jersey family is murdered. Can he overcome his personal problems and once again become the formidable detective he once was?

Meanwhile, a difficult convict from Jim’s past resurfaces.

Who plays Jim Bergerac in the new series?

In the reimagined series Bergerac, Damien Molony plays Jim Bergerac. Fans of The Split know Damien as Tyler Donaghue, the fiancé and later husband of Zander Hale, a role he played from 2020 to 2022. However, he ended up falling in love with Nina Defoe and having an affair with her. Viewers were later horrified when he was exposed as a fraud in a heartbreaking storyline.

Damien is also known for his roles as Dylan in Brassic and Anthony in Crashing. He has also played Jon in GameFace, DS Jack Weston in Suspects and Hal in Being Human.

The actor said of his new role: “I am incredibly excited to be taking on the role of Jim Bergerac. John Nettles has left an incredible legacy with big shoes to fill and I hope to bring a fresh new interpretation to this iconic character. I can’t wait for audiences to join me on this journey.”

Who is in the cast of Bergerac on U&DRAMA and U?

“My Family” actress Zoë Wanamaker will play the role of Jim’s mother-in-law Charlie Hungerford – a change from the original series.

Meanwhile, “Life on Mars” star Philip Glenister will play Arthur Wakefield.

The cast also includes Pippa Haywood from “Green Wing” who will play Margaret Heaton. Robert Gilbert from “Killing Eve” plays Barney Crozier and Sasha Behar from “Casualty” plays Uma Dalal.

“Us or Them” actress Céline Arden will play Kara.

Where is Bergerac with Damien Molony filmed?

Cast and crew will begin filming Bergerac in July 2024, with filming taking place in the UK and the Channel Island of Jersey.

Tricia Warwick, Chief Executive of Visit Jersey, said: “For many, the words Jersey and Bergerac are synonymous and we are delighted that the cult TV series is returning to our island’s beautiful shores for filming this summer.

“The modern reinterpretation of Bergerac offers an opportunity to celebrate the series’ heritage in Jersey while reaching a new generation of fans who can’t wait to fly to the locations featured.

“We are excited to be working with UKTV, Banijay UK and BlackLight TV to showcase Jersey’s unique charm and picturesque landscapes in a fresh, contemporary way through the lens of this popular show.”

When is the launch date for the new Bergerac? How can I see it?

Bergerac will air on U&DRAMA and U in 2025.

UKTV recently announced the launch of the U ‘masterbrand’, which will see its free streaming service UKTV Play rebranded as U&DRAMA and U on 16 July.

The family of free-to-air channels consists of U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&YESTERDAY and U&W.

How many episodes of Bergerac with Damien Molony are there?

Bergerac on U&DRAMA and U will consist of six episodes. Each episode will be one hour long.

Bergerac will be broadcast in 2025 on the free-to-air channel U&DRAMA and the free streaming service U.

Read more: BBC One confirms return of The Split! Nicola Walker will be back, with some exciting new cast members

Damien Moloney will play Bergerac in U&DRAMA and U in 2025.

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