HUNDREDS of Islanders have served as extras in the new Bergerac since the revamped detective drama was launched – as Jersey “continues to play an integral role” in the show.
Production company BlackLight TV said that around 500 supporting artists have been recruited from Jersey over the three series so far.
Filming for the third instalment saw crews return to the Island earlier this month, as BBC-owned broadcaster UKTV looks to build on the success of the two previous seasons.
The debut series launched in February 2025 and drew 2.4 million viewers across U and U&DRAMA that year.
The second season came out in April and, as of last month, has been watched by an average of 1.3m viewers across its six-episode run.
The latest series is expected to air sometime in 2027.
Blacklight TV stated: “Over the three series of Bergerac, approximately 500 supporting artists have been recruited from Jersey, reflecting the strong local support for the series and ensuring island communities continue to remain part of the show’s success.
“The third series has also seen ten Jersey-based trainees experience many aspects of production, alongside four former trainees returning in full-time roles.”
The company continued: “Jersey continues to play an integral role in the series, both on and off screen.
“The Island provides the backdrop for many of our exterior scenes, with stunning locations including the Royal Square, Gorey, Corbière Lighthouse and the war bunkers playing an important part in the story.”
Produced by BlackLight TV in collaboration with Westward Studios and with support from Visit Jersey, the new Bergerac provides a contemporary reimagining of the original show of the same name – created by Robert Banks Stewart – that starred John Nettles and ran on the BBC between 1981 and 1991.
Westward Studios executive producer Brian Constantine said: “It has always been important that Bergerac is genuinely rooted in Jersey, and that the benefits of producing the series are felt as widely as possible across the Island.
“That means creating opportunities not only for local performers and trainees, but also for Jersey businesses and suppliers.”
Mr Constantine continued: “Every production brings a significant amount of spend into the local economy, from hotels, restaurants and catering to transport, security, construction, equipment hire and a whole range of specialist services.
“By working with local companies wherever we can, that production spend has a direct and immediate impact on businesses, employees and the wider Island economy.”
Mr Constantine noted that those behind the reboot were “particularly proud of the opportunities we have been able to create for local talent”.
“The fact that hundreds of Jersey residents have now worked as supporting artists, alongside trainees and people who have gone on to secure full-time roles within the industry, demonstrates what can be achieved when a production makes a genuine commitment to developing local talent,” he added.
“For us, the legacy of Bergerac is about much more than what audiences see on screen.
“It is about creating a pipeline of skilled local people, building relationships with Jersey businesses and demonstrating that the Island can be a home for high-quality television production.”
Mr Constantine added that, in addition to the “immediate” economic benefit, the long-term value of developing a sustainable creative industry in Jersey “could be even greater”.
