JOHN Nettles has said he would be ‘delighted’ to appear in the planned reboot of Bergerac – which is due to begin filming next year.
The 79-year-old actor, who famously played the role of maverick detective Jim Bergerac in the hit 1980s show, confirmed that he had been kept informed by those behind the project and would welcome the opportunity to take part.
Plans to develop the new series are back on track following a reorganisation of the production companies involved, with Westward Studios, Banijay and its company BlackLight now taking the show forward with Bafta-nominated writer Toby Whithouse – who has worked on major BBC programmes including Being Human and Doctor Who.
Mr Nettles, who visited the Island earlier this year, said that he ‘enjoyed being in Jersey and meeting Jersey people’ while filming the original series.
‘I should be delighted [to appear in the new show] and would take the opportunity – I do think they would have to change it from the original format as times have changed, things have changed so it would be difficult to recreate,’ he said.
‘Nobody is going to accept the romantic lead character going off and interviewing everyone – there is no room for the romanticised police copper these days.
‘So it would be a different animal but if it it comes along then that’s fine by me,’ he added.
Mr Nettles said that one suggestion for a cameo appearance – mentioned to him by those working on the reboot – was that he would be ‘appear with a bottle’ in a caravan in St Ouen, which he described as a ‘lovely idea’.
‘I shall be the comic relief – any excuse to come back to Jersey really,’ he added.
Westward Studios’ executive producer Brian Constantine said: ‘Obviously we would be thrilled to have John back and there will certainly always be a place for him should he wish to make a cameo appearance.’
He added: ‘People still watch the original show and he is an Island treasure.’
Filming for the new series is expected to begin in summer 2023.
JERSEY ON SCREEN
Several shows and movies have been filmed in the Island over the years, but while some went on to claim awards others never quite made it off the cutting-room floor. Do you recognise these ‘Jersey’ productions?
– The Real Housewives of Jersey (2020 – 2021)
The ITV show, which followed the ‘glamorous’ lives of several Jersey women, made its presence known on Islanders’ screens across two separate seasons. Love it or hate it, it doesn’t look like it’s coming back anytime soon.
– Beast (2018)
Jersey-born film director Michael Pearce won a Bafta for this dark pathological thriller, which was mostly shot in the Island and premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
– Knights of Impossingworth/The Crystal Island
Around ten years ago the government gave a £200,000 grant to UK production company Canbedone Productions to help with the creation of this fantasy movie – which would have been fine, had it ever been made. Youngsters and taxpayers were left equally disappointed by the film that never was.
– Cowfusion (2006)
Admittedly, this amateur production probably had a smaller budget than the film mentioned above – but at least you could actually get it on DVD. If you’ve ever wanted to watch a comedy about a man possessed by the spirit of a cowboy, look no further than this local masterpiece.
