An Irish actor has seen off competition from some of the biggest names in British TV 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 the TV shows Derry Girls and Brassic, will take over the role made famous by John Nettles in the 1980s.
The 40-year-old father of two said: ‘I’m incredibly excited to be stepping into the role of Jim Bergerac. John Nettles has left an incredible legacy.’
Molony’s casting in the reimagined version of the hit detective drama – which will be broadcast on UKTV – is likely to turn him into one of the biggest stars in the UK.
The new version of the drama, which will be shown on UKTV, also features Zoe Wanamaker, as Bergerac’s mother-in-law, and Life On Mars star Philip Glenister.
A string 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, which is being billed as a ‘re-imagination’, will emulate the success of the original, a ratings juggernaut for the BBC when it was screened between 1981 and 1991.
The new reincarnation of Jim Bergerac has many of the same demons as his predecessor. Viewers will meet him as a broken man, grappling alcoholism following his wife’s recent death. But he has to put his personal struggles to one side when a woman from a wealthy Jersey family is murdered.
In the original series, Bergerac had to deal with his roguish businessman father-in-law Charlie Hungerford played by the late Terence Alexander.
This time around the character of Charlie Hungerford is Bergerac’s formidable mother-in-law, She is played by Zoe Wanamaker, one of Britain’s most celebrated actors, best known for her starring role in the sitcome My Family. In the opening episode, viewers will see her chastising her son-in-law for not prioritising his daughter Kim.
Philip Glenister – best known for playing DCI Gene Hunt in the hit cop shows Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes – will co-star as a character Arthur Wakefield.
The format of the show has changed. Unlike the original version, the new series will see one character-led murder mystery run across all six episodes, rather than a new storyline for each episode.
Tourist bosses in Jersey are already keeping their fingers crossed that the new series will provide a much-needed tourist boost to Jersey.
Tricia Warwick, Chief Executive of Visit Jersey, said: ‘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 for filming this summer. The modern re-imagining of Bergerac presents an opportunity to celebrate the show’s legacy in Jersey, whilst reaching a new generation of fans will be eager to ‘set jet’ to the featured locations.’
John Nettles, 80, revealed last week that he had turned down a cameo 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 get in the way. ‘
In May Nettles cast doubt on whether anyone else would be able to play the title character.
Asked who should star as Bergerac, he said: ‘I have no idea. To be honest, I can’t imagine anyone playing him but me.’
The star also said he was doubtful whether the reboot would work.
He said: ‘I can’t see how a reboot will work. The show belonged to Thatcherite Britain, to a time of fast money and beautiful girls.’
Mr Nettles was last night unavailable for comment.