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The Government could still be financially involved in the Bergerac reboot as discussions for an “acceptable funding package” continue.
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel confirmed in today's States sitting that his officers and Visit Jersey are “working closely to create a package that might be acceptable to the Government for funding”.
BBC-owned broadcaster UKTV confirmed last week that it has commissioned a reboot of the "beloved and iconic" detective drama Bergerac, stating that some filming will happen in Jersey.
Based on the original series created by Robert Banks Stewart, which starred John Nettles and ran on the BBC between 1981 and 1991, the new six-episode show will stream for free on UKTV Play and air on Drama in 2025.
Pictured: John Nettles became so iconic as Jim Bergerac that he even met HM Queen Elizabeth II in Jersey on Liberation Day.
Casting is set to be announced in the coming months, with filming due to begin this summer.
Deputy Morel previously said that the Government was considering a possible £1.8 million investment into the show, with officers working with Visit Jersey to determine if it represents "value for money" for the island.
He explained at the time that part of the incentive for backing the programme would be "to have it produced in Jersey".
In response to a question from Deputy Renouf, Deputy Morel today said that the final decision would most likely come down to himself or to Visit Jersey about whether to fund the show.
Deputy Renouf raised concerns that UKTV was "what could be termed as a 'niche digital channel' without huge reach of BBC 1 that we were so familiar with in the 1980s".
He asked whether the Minister has put together a full cost-benefit analysis and business case for funding the reboot.
Pictured: Plans to reboot the hit 80s show have been around since 2019.
Deputy Morel said he shared those concerns, saying: "It's not just a case of there is a production and it is about Bergerac, therefore it needs to be funded, but a case of: is this the right production to be shown in the right places, will it attract the right audience and audience numbers? Those are questions I am asking."
He confirmed that a business case had been prepared and was circulating through Government now.
Previous media speculation has suggested that TV stars David Tennant, Aidan Turner and James Norton have all been considered for the top role, but no details as to the lead have been revealed as yet.
The six-part series is being produced by BlackLight TV, which part of Banijay UK, and written by Bafta-winning writer Toby Whithouse alongside Brian Fillis, Catherine Tregenna and Polly Buckle.
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