JUST two months after the launch of the new Bergerac TV show, those behind the reimagined detective drama have confirmed it will return for a second series.
Commissioned by BBC-owned broadcaster UKTV, the first season of the long-anticipated reboot – which stars Irish actor Damien Molony in the lead role of Jim Bergerac – launched in February on U and U&DRAMA after filming took place in Jersey and Devon last year.
It offered 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.
UKTV has revealed that the new six-part series has become the second highest rating programme on U&DRAMA, with 1.8 million consolidated viewers tuning in.
The launch also contributed to a record-breaking performance on U, helping to achieve “the best week ever” for the streaming platform.
Filming for the second series is expected to take place this summer, with a view to airing sometime in 2026.
In addition to Mr Molony’s return, UKTV has confirmed that Zoë Wanamaker will be back as Charlie Hungerford and Robert Gilbert as Barney Crozier, with further cast to be revealed in the coming months.
Executive producer Brian Constantine said: “We’re incredibly proud to be bringing Bergerac back to Jersey for a second series.
“The response to the first season has been beyond anything we hoped for, it’s been a privilege to showcase the Island through such a gripping, character-driven story.”
He continued: “We’re especially pleased that key cast including Damien Molony, Zoë Wanamaker and Robert Gilbert will be returning — their performances brought such depth and heart to the show.
“We’re excited to build on that success and continue working alongside our fantastic partners in UKTV, Blacklight, Banijay and Visit Jersey combine with Toby Whithouse’s excellent writing to deliver more intrigue, atmosphere and excitement in series two.”
Tricia Warwick, chief executive of Visit Jersey, said the organisation was “delighted” that Bergerac will be returning to the Island.
“The first series has significantly raised Jersey’s profile as a must-visit destination, and we are excited to see even more of our Island’s stunning landscapes and unique locations featured in series two,” she added.
“The iconic connection between Bergerac and Jersey has long been cherished, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with UKTV, Banijay UK, and BlackLight TV to showcase the unique charm of both Jersey and Bergerac to audiences around the world.”
Mr Molony said he was “excited” to be returning for a second series, describing the Island as “beautiful”.
“Bringing this iconic role back has been an incredible experience. My predecessor had solved six crimes in the time it’s taken for me to solve one, so I have a bit of catching up to do.
“I can’t wait to explore the character of Jim Bergerac further and see what case we crack next.”
What to expect from Season Two
“The second series will see Jim Bergerac (Molony) starting to put his life back together, while his mother-in-law Charlie Hungerford (Wanamaker) has a new man in her life. Jim’s even tentatively dating, with his daughter encouragement, although it’s a big step for him. But then he meets Nicola, a visitor to Jersey, and they connect. Could this be the start of something for Jim?
“However, before the relationship even has time to blossom, Jim is pulled back into his next big case. When the groom at a wedding reception on the island is found murdered in his hotel room, the wedding party comes under intense suspicion and scrutiny. Jim will have to decipher the victim’s cryptic last words from his speech if he is ever going to bring the killer to justice. And when Jim starts to unravel old secrets, more skeletons come to light, making this his most intricate case yet.”
