Production begins this month on Jersey on the shiny new iteration of Bergerac with Damien Molony as the eponymous investigator.

The 6 x 60’ drama is written by Toby Whithouse and produced as a UKTV Original by BlackLight TV, part of Banijay UK, and Jersey-based Westward Studios. The production is supported by Visit Jersey; filming will also take place in UK locations.

Zoë Wanamaker will play Jim Bergerac’s mother-in-law with supporting cast including Philip Glenister, Pippa Haywood, Robert Gilbert, Sasha Behar and Celine Arden.

Bergerac is based on the original series created by Robert Banks Stewart, which starred John Nettles and ran for nine series on the BBC between 1981 and 1991. Unlike the original, the new series will see one character-led murder mystery run across all six episodes, in place of a new storyline each episode.

The series is written by Whithouse alongside Brian Fillis, Catherine Tregenna and Polly Buckle. Executive producers for BlackLight TV are Ben Bickerton, Philip Trethowan and Whithouse. Brian Constantine is executive producer for Westward Studios. Helen Perry, head of drama, will be executive producer for UKTV. The series will be directed by Colm McCarthy and produced by Clare Alan.

Constantine said: “We are absolutely thrilled by today’s cast announcement, having such an incredibly talented team of actors, combined with the world-class writing of Toby Whithouse, is a real boost.

“This project has been many years in the making, and now all that hard work is coming to fruition. Westward Studios is very honoured to be part of it. This fantastic collaboration will undoubtedly do Jersey proud.”

Molony remarked: “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.”