It turned an unknown John Nettles into an unlikely sex symbol and transformed its island location of Jersey into a mecca for tourism.
Now Bergerac, one of the most popular detective dramas of the 1980s, could be about to return to our screens.
Television insiders on Jersey say plans for a reboot of the series, which would again be set on the island, are at an advanced but ‘delicate’ stage.
One source, who asked not to be named, said: ‘Those involved are in the final stages of contracts. But it’s almost a done deal.’ They added: ‘If all goes according to plan, filming will take place in the summer.’
Poldark actor Aidan Turner, Doctor Who star David Tennant and Happy Valley’s James Norton are in the frame for the title role. There may be a cameo part for Nettles, 80.
John Nettles and Therese Liotard starred in the original Bergerac. Nettles starred as detective Jim Bergerac, and the series was a huge hit when it was screened on the BBC between 1981 to 1991. Now the series could be about to return to screens
David Tennant (pictured) starred in the ITV crime drama Broadchurch. He is said to have previously expressed an interest
Happy Valley ‘s James Norton is in the frame for the title role. At one stage, producers considered a woman in the lead role but it is believed that idea was shelved
Poldark actor Aidan Turner (pictured) is in the frame because he has already worked with some of the producers behind the new series
However, insiders insist no decisions have been made about casting and that the role could go to a black or Asian actor. At one stage, producers considered a woman in the lead role but it is believed that idea was shelved.
Tennant, who starred in the ITV crime drama Broadchurch, is said to have previously expressed an interest. Turner is in the frame because he has already worked with some of the producers behind the new series.
One insider said: ‘Over the year, various ideas have been explored but I think we are now back with a gritty male copper. There could be changes as far as the other roles are concerned.’
Bergerac, which starred Nettles as detective Jim Bergerac, was a huge hit when it was screened on the BBC between 1981 to 1991.
Viewers warmed to the central character, the show’s sub-plots about his love life, and its stunning locations. The new version is being developed by a partnership of companies, including Westward Studios, which is based on Jersey, BlackLight and Banijay.
It is believed they already have a major broadcaster, believed to be a streaming service, on board.
Sources on the island say the production is dependent on an investment of up to £1.8 million from the Government of Jersey. The island’s Council of Ministers is due to discuss the funding.
The island’s former chief minister, Deputy Kristina Moore, said the new series would be ‘a great boost for the island’, adding: ‘The company are ready to go, there are scripts written, they could start filming in the spring for broadcast in November and December of this year.’
Beauport beach in Jersey. Bergerac made the Channel Island a mecc for tourism in the 1980s. The island’s former chief minister, Deputy Kristina Moore, said the new series would be ‘a great boost for the island’ (stock image)
Nettles as as detective Jim Bergerac. The series turned Nettles into a sex symbol and there may be a cameo part for the actor in the reboot
A recent episode of The Apprentice set on Jersey saw a boost in interest in the island.
One insider said: ‘Jersey was on The Apprentice a couple of weeks ago and that created a lot of buzz.
‘That is perfect timing for the Bergerac negotiations, because Visit Jersey saw a huge increase in the number of queries and website hits. Everyone wants the filming to take place in Jersey because it would be rubbish if it was set in Cornwall.’
If the project is approved, the series would be the latest in a long line of classic TV shows to make a return to television. A new version of the BBC’s All Creatures Great And Small is currently proving a huge hit for Channel 5.
Those close to the new production hope the show will rival the success of the BBC’s Death In Paradise, which also charts the adventures of a detective on a sun-kissed island.
That show is currently one of the most-watched on British TV.
