back on the box
Classic British crime drama returning after more than 30 years off screen with new all-star cast
The new series will also see a shake-up as bosses ditch the beloved show's original format
A CLASSIC British crime drama is making an epic comeback more than 30 years off air - and with a new cast.
Bosses at UKTV's Drama channel are rebooting the fan-favourite show with six brand new episodes.
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The casting for Bergerac has been revealed, four decades since its very first episode.
Launching in 1981, the crime drama followed Detective Jim Bergerac in his role at Jersey police.
But now UKTV have unveiled the "re-imagined" lineup, which is led by Damien Molony as the popular detective.
The Brassic and Derry Girls star will step into the role that was previously played by John Nettles, who is now 80.
Also in the new cast is Zoë Wanamaker, who starred in smash-hit BBC comedy My Family as well as actor Philip Glenister.
Speaking about becoming the new Bergerac, Irish star Molony said: "I’m incredibly excited to be stepping into the role of Jim Bergerac.
"John Nettles has left an incredible legacy with big shoes to fill, and I hope I can bring a fresh new take on this iconic character.
"I can't wait for audiences to join me on this journey."
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The original run - which ran for nine series - featured a new mystery in each episode.
However, in a format shake-up the reboot will centre around just one case across all six episodes.
Scene from classic 80s show Bergerac which is returning for a reboot
A teaser released reads: "Viewers will meet Jim Bergerac (Molony) as a broken man, grappling with grief and alcoholism following his wife’s recent death. His mother-in-law, Charlie (Wanamaker), is concerned Jim isn’t putting his daughter Kim first and, when a woman from a wealthy Jersey family 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."
Zoë Wanamaker will play Charlie Hungerford while Glenister portrays Arthur Wakefield.
Completing the lineup is Robert Gilbert, Sasha Behar and Celine Arden.
BBC crime dramas
The BBC is reopening case files on an all-star line-up of crime dramas this summer. Here's a refresher on the popular programmes which span six decades.
- Campion: Aired from 1989 to 1990, a detective drama series adapted from novels by Margery Allingham and starring Peter Davison.
- Dalziel and Pascoe: A gritty detective drama series about a mismatched pair of policemen, based on the award-winning books by Reginald Hill. Aired from 1996 to 2007.
- Death in Paradise: A misanthropic detective inspector is assigned to a Caribbean island against his will. Premiered in 2011 and is still on air to this day.
- Happy Valley: Created by Sally Wainwright, this northern noir follows Sarah Lancashire as Sgt Catherine Cawood – tough, defiant and facing her traumatic past.
- Hinterland: Welsh drama starring Richard Harrington. Brooding DCI Tom Mathias uncovers secrets – and links to his troubled past amid mountainous terrain and close-knit villages. Aired from 2013 to 2016.
- Inspector Lynley Mysteries: Based on the novels of Elizabeth George, this drama series is about upper-crust DI Thomas Lynley and working class DS Barbara Havers. Aired from 2001 to 2007.
- Jonathan Creek: Starring comedian Alan Davies, this comedy-drama series follows a deviser of magic tricks who is often called in to solve puzzling murders. Aired from 1997 to 2016.
- Law & Order: Originally broadcast in 1978, this four-part drama series is about the British judicial system. Stars include Peter Dean and Derek Martin.
- Life on Mars: Beguiling science-fiction police drama following a Manchester policeman who travels back to 1973 following a car accident. Stars John Simm and Philip Glenister. Aired from 2006 to 2007.
- Line of Duty: Created by Jed Mercurio, this drama follows the investigations of AC-12, a controversial police anticorruption unit. Stars Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar, aired from 2012 to 2021.
- Luther: Crime drama series starring Idris Elba as DCI John Luther. Aired from 2010 to 2019, with a follow-up film released in 2023.
- New Tricks: Warm-hearted drama following an eccentric group of old-fashioned detectives. Starring Dennis Waterman, Amanda Redman, Alun Armstrong and James Bolam. Aired from 2003 to 2015.
- Sherlock: Benedict Cumberbatch stars a modern day Sherlock Holmes, teaming up with Martin Freeman's war veteran Dr Watson to solve impossible crimes. Aired from 2010 to 2017.
- Shetland: Detective drama starring Douglas Henshall, Ashley Jensen and Alison O'Donnell, showcasing the dark side of one of the most beautiful places on earth. Premiered in 2013 and is still on air to this day.
- The Cops: Set in the fictional northern town of Stanton, this acclaimed, provocative police drama stars Katy Cavanagh, Rob Dixon and John Henshaw. Aired from 1998 to 2001.
- Waking The Dead: With a cast including Trevor Eve, Sue Johnston and Wil Johnson, this series follows a cold case team who unearths sleeping secrets, but sometimes the past is best left buried. Aired from 2000 to 2011.
- Wallander: Starring Sir Kenneth Branagh, Kurt Wallander is unable to unsee the dark crimes he's tasked to investigate while Wallander's job comes at a cost to his family and relationships. Aired from 2008 to 2016.