AN “iconic” car will be back in action as part of the reboot of the classic 1980s TV series Bergerac, producers have revealed.
Filming for the six-episode run – commissioned by BBC-owned broadcaster UKTV – took place over several weeks in the Island this summer, with Bouley Bay, La Pulente, the Royal Square and Central Market among the locations used.
Filming was also carried in the UK and recently concluded.
Images of Irish actor Damien Molony, who plays Jim Bergerac, in these scenic spots had already been released – and now UKTV have confirmed with new images that the “iconic” Triumph Roadster which featured in the original series will be returning to the small screen, with the same registration plate.
Announced in April, the new show is produced by BlackLight TV, part of Banijay UK, Jersey-based Westward Studios and has been supported by Visit Jersey; it is due to offer a “contemporary twist” on the popular detective drama created by Robert Banks Stewart, which starred John Nettles and ran on the BBC between 1981 and 1991.
Unlike the original series, the new show will see one character-led murder mystery run across all six episodes, rather than a new storyline being featured each episode.
It is being directed by Peaky Blinders director Colm McCarthy and also stars My Family and Harry Potter actor Zoë Wanamaker, who will play the role of Jim’s mother-in-law, Charlie Hungerford, in a change from the original series, alongside Philip Glenister, who starred in Life on Mars, as Arthur Wakefield.
The six 60-minute episodes will air early next year on U and U&DRAMA.
Commenting on the new images, Mr Molony said: “When people talk about Bergerac, two things immediately spring to mind: Jersey, and the car.
“We’ve recently wrapped on filming, and I’ve had the best time stepping into the role of Jim Bergerac – I’ve even had the privilege of getting behind the wheel of the iconic Triumph Roadster.
“We couldn’t have reimagined this series without paying homage to the original, and the car beautifully bridges the two. I can’t wait to share it with the fans.”
A lengthier plot summary has also been released.
It says: “Jim Bergerac is a broken man, grappling with grief and alcoholism following his wife’s recent death. His mother-in-law, Charlie, is concerned Jim isn’t putting his daughter Kim first and, when the daughter-in-law of wealthy businessman Arthur Wakefield is murdered, Jim must fight through his personal struggles to become the formidable investigator he once was.
“With a troublesome convict resurfacing from his past, Bergerac is required to call on his sharp investigative instincts and past successes to navigate the intricate family dynamics, and watchful eyes of the police force, in order to solve the case.”
Jersey’s government has supported the show with a grant on the condition that a number of benefits for the Island are delivered. Dozens of Islanders were featured as extras in the show after a casting call took place at the Town Hall, with hundreds of residents putting themselves forward for background work.
