Producers plan Bergerac comeback

Thursday 07 February 2019

Bergerac could be making a return to TV screens in the near future… but not quite as we know it.

Producers are working on a reboot of the much-loved detective drama headed by adopted islander John Nettles as a potential future commission for Paramount’s network of channels outside the US.

However, with the Bureau des Étrangers’ main man having long since ruled himself out from reprising the role again, the new version is set to be a modern-day update.

Pictured: One of the tourism campaigns John Nettles fronted as Bergerac. (Jersey Tourism/Wiki)

Leading the production will be Emmy winner and Executive Production of Artists Studios Gub Neal, who said his team had been “trying to bring back Bergerac for some time”. 

“I’m very glad that we have the next generation of such an iconic show in development. Updated for the present day, it will deal with contemporary stories-of-the-week that run alongside a strong serial spine,” Mr Neal, who worked on Prime Suspect, Cracker and The Fall commented.

Alongside Artists Studios, which is being backed by Endemol Shine UK, Jersey-based Westward Studios will be the production efforts.

Pictured: Another of Nettles' iconic posters produced for Jersey Tourism. (Jersey Tourism/Wiki)

Brian Constantine, CEO of Westward Studios and Executive Producer, said he was “excited at the prospect that Bergerac may be returning to our screens once again.”

“It’s a much-loved drama and a real boost for Jersey, my home, where Bergerac has become part of the island’s identity,” he continued.

Jill Offman, Executive Vice President Paramount Network, added: “We have several exciting dramas in development, one of which is the classic favourite Bergerac. Our hope is that we will be able to commission Bergerac as a full series for Paramount Network International."

Pictured: Bergerac's car was featured in Jersey Museum's most recent exhibition.

Despite not having run for nearly 30 years, the 1981 to 1991 serial still holds iconic status in Jersey.

It was credited with attracting holidaymakers to the island, with the protagonist himself fronting several tourism campaigns.

The show saw a recent resurgence in popularity as Jim Bergerac’s iconic car – a Triumph Roadster 2000 – appeared as the centrepiece in a popular exhibition about the 1980s at the Jersey Museum, which came to a close over Christmas after an extended run. 

Video: Bergerac's theme recently got a revamp.

Last year also saw Bergerac’s BAFTA award-winning soundtrack get a revamp, with VisitJersey commissioning dance musician Youngr to put his own electronic twist on the tune, whose music video was set at various island landmarks.