Derry Girls' Damien Molony and Harry Potter star Zoë Wanamaker to feature in new Bergerac series

Damien Molony and Zoë Wanamaker at a table read of the new Bergerac scripts. Credit: UKTV

The cast for the new series of the iconic Jersey detective drama Bergerac has been announced by British broadcaster UKTV.

Damien Molony takes on the leading role of Jim Bergerac - he has previously appeared in shows such as Brassic, The Split and Derry Girls.

The Irish actor follows in the footsteps of John Nettles who played the troubled Detective Sergeant during the programme's original run from 1981 to 1991.

More than 30 years on, Damien says: "I'm incredibly excited to be stepping into the role. John Nettles has left an incredible legacy with big shoes to fill and I hope I can bring a fresh take on this iconic character."

He will be joined by acclaimed actor Zoë Wanamaker, perhaps best known for her appearances in My Family and Harry Potter, and Philip Glenister from Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes.

Zoë will play Bergerac's mother-in-law Charlie Hungerford and Philip is Arthur Wakefield.

Other cast members include Pippa Haywood, Robert Gilbert, Sasha Behar and Celine Arden.

ITV News understands that Colm McCarthy will direct the show - he has headed up episodes for a number of BBC hits such as Spooks, Sherlock, Doctor Who and Peaky Blinders.

Executive Producer Toby Whithouse also spoke exclusively to ITV News, sharing his hope to "keep Jersey at the absolute heart of the show" and to build up the island's filming infrastructure for future series.

Philip Glenister, Damien Molony and Zoë Wanamaker are all part of the revamped Bergerac series. Credit: PA

Unlike the original which tackled a new storyline for each episode, the remake will see one mystery run across the series.

Showmakers want to honour Bergerac's history with a contemporary twist and say viewers will be reintroduced to him as a broken man, dealing with grief and alcoholism after his wife's death.

When a woman from a rich Jersey family is murdered, Jim must deal with his personal struggles as he tries to crack the case.

Sasha Behar and Philip Glenister in good spirits at a table read of the new Bergerac scripts. Credit: UKTV

The island's tourist board Visit Jersey has put its support behind the rebooted show, with Chief Executive Tricia Warwick saying: "For many, the words 'Jersey' and 'Bergerac' are synonymous and we are delighted for the iconic TV series to return to our island's beautiful shores.

"The modern re-imaging presents an opportunity to celebrate the show's legacy in Jersey, whilst reaching a new generation of fans who will be eager to 'jet set' to the featured locations."

Filming is due to begin in July and will include locations in Jersey and the UK.

The show will air across six episodes for free on UKTV channel U&DRAMA and online streaming service U in 2025.

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