An Irish actor has beaten off competition from some of the biggest names in British television to land the role of Jim Bergerac in the reboot of the classic detective series set on the island of Jersey.
The Mail on Sunday can reveal that Damien Molony, best known for his roles in TV shows Derry Girls and Brassic, will take on the role made famous by John Nettles in the 1980s.
The 40-year-old father-of-two said: “I’m incredibly excited to be taking on the role of Jim Bergerac. John Nettles has left an incredible legacy.”
Molony’s addition to the revamped version of the hit detective drama (to be aired on UKTV) is likely to make him one of the UK’s biggest stars.
The new version of the drama, which will air on UKTV channels U&DRAMA and U in 2025, also stars Zoe Wanamaker as Bergerac’s mother-in-law and Life On Mars star Philip Glenister.
Damien Molony, best known for his roles in the TV shows Derry Girls and Brassic, will take on the role made famous by John Nettles in the 1980s.
Damien Molony as his character DS Jack Weston in the Channel 5 drama series Suspects
A host of big names, including Doctor Who star David Tennant, Happy Valley’s James Norton and Poldark’s Aidan Turner, had been linked to the show.
TV bosses hope the series, billed as a “reimagining”, will emulate the success of the original, a ratings hit for the BBC when it ran from 1981 to 1991.
The new reincarnation of Jim Bergerac has many of the same demons as his predecessor. Viewers will see him as a broken man, battling alcoholism following the recent death of his wife. But he has to put his personal struggles aside when a woman from a wealthy Jersey family is murdered.
In the original series, Bergerac had to deal with his father-in-law, a businessman and rogue, Charlie Hungerford, played by the late Terence Alexander.
This time around, Charlie Hungerford’s character is Bergerac’s formidable mother-in-law. She is played by Zoe Wanamaker, one of Britain’s most famous actresses, best known for her leading role in the sitcom My Family. In the opening episode, viewers will see her berate her son-in-law for not prioritising her daughter Kim.
In May, John Nettles cast doubt on whether anyone else could play the title character.
John Nettles in 1981 as his character Jim Bergerac in the original show.
Philip Glenister, best known for playing DCI Gene Hunt in the hit crime series Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes, will co-star as Arthur Wakefield.
The show’s format has changed. Unlike the original version, the new series will feature a murder mystery starring one character over the course of six episodes, rather than a new story for each episode.
Jersey tourism bosses are already keeping their fingers crossed that the new series will provide a much-needed tourism boost to Jersey.
Tricia Warwick, Chief Executive of Visit Jersey, said: “For many, the words ‘Jersey’ and ‘Bergerac’ are synonymous, and we’re delighted that the iconic TV series is returning to the beautiful shores of our island for filming this summer. The modern reimagining of Bergerac presents an opportunity to celebrate the show’s legacy in Jersey, whilst reaching a new generation of fans who will be eager to ‘get unstuck’ to the landmark locations.”
John Nettles, 80, revealed last week that he had turned down a supporting role in the new series because he felt he was too old.
John Nettles pictured in 1988 with his 1947 Triumph Roadster
John Nettles, 80, revealed last week that he had turned down a supporting role in the new series because he felt he was too old.
He said, “I’m not going to do it because I can’t do it. I’m too old and I’d just be in the way.”
In May, Nettles cast doubt on whether anyone else could play the lead character.
Asked who should play Bergerac, he replied: “I have no idea. To be honest, I can’t imagine anyone else playing him.”
The star also said she had doubts about whether the reboot would work.
He said: “I don’t see how a remake would work. The series belonged to Thatcherite England, an era of easy money and pretty girls.”
Mr Nettles was not available for comment last night.
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