Star of Bergerac reboot Damien Molony reveals John Nettles’ reaction to him taking over as legendary detective
DAMIEN Molony has revealed John Nettles’ reaction to him taking over as legendary detective Jim Bergerac.
Former Brassic star Damien, 40, takes on the role for an upcoming reboot on UKTV.
John Nettles, 81, famously played Bergerac for nine series on BBC One from 1981 to 1991.
Speaking to Metro, Damien revealed the two had met up – with John offering his verdict on the first episode ahead of its premiere later this month.
The Irish actor revealed: “I had lunch with him [Nettles] last week and he was just so lovely.
“He said so many nice things about the first episode, too.
“He finished our lunch [by] saying, ‘Bergerac has been so good to me and my career, and I really hope it does the same for you.’
“I thought [that] was a lovely sentiment, and it just goes to show how much of a good guy he is.”
The original mystery drama made its debut on BBC One in 1981 and it ran until 1991.
It has been re-imagined with a contemporary twist, although bosses have promised that the new series will honour the beloved original.
At the start of the series, Jim is a broken man grappling with his personal demons.
Following the recent death of his wife, he will struggle with grief and also alcoholism.
UKTV has announced that the series will be available to stream in full from Thursday 27th February on its streaming service, U.
Episodes will air on its linear U&Drama channel every week on the same night.
Instead of a new storyline for each episode, the series will focus on one singular character-led murder mystery.
The story will run across all the six new episodes, which are one hour in length.
When a woman from a prominent family from Jersey is murdered, the detective might fight his demons to become the formidable detective he once used to be.
He will be forced to use his sharp instincts and lessons from previous cases when a convict from his past resurfaces.
But as he navigates the intricate family dynamics combined with the overseeing eye of the police force, will he be able to solve the mystery?
Speaking about the role, Damien exclaimed: “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.”
He added: “I can’t wait for audiences to join me on this journey.”
Among the new cast is Philip Glenister, who is taking on the role of Arthur Wakefield.
Black Ops actress Zoe Wanamaker will star as Jim’s mother-in-law, Charlie Hungerford, in a change from the original show.