Where are the original cast of Bergerac now? From soap stardom to tragic death after health battle
LAUNCHING in 1981, BBC crime drama Bergerac was a TV staple for a decade.
John Nettles played the title role of Jim Bergerac in the Jersey-set series.
Initially, Bergerac was part of the States of Jersey Police, as a detective sergeant in the fictional Le Bureau des Étrangers (“The Foreigners’ Office”, a department which dealt with non-Jersey residents.
Later on, however, the character left the force and instead became a private investigator.
As a Bergerac reboot is on the way, what has become of the original cast since their final episode in 1991?
John Nettles
After his time on Bergerac came to an end, John later starred in another long-running detective drama – Midsomer Murders.
He played the first lead detective, DCI Tom Barnaby, from 1997 to 2011 in the ITV series.
The show is still on air to this day, with Neil Dudgeon in the lead role of DCI John Barnaby, Tom’s cousin.
Meanwhile, John also took to the theatre with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He did five seasons altogether, appearing in shows including The Winter‘s Tale, Richard III and Julius Caesar.
In 2016 and 2017, the actor recurred as Ray Penvenen in the second and third series of the historical drama Poldark.
John has been married to his second wife, Cathryn Sealey, since 1995.
Terence Alexander
Terence Alexander played the role of Charlie Hungerford in all but two episodes of Bergerac.
The character was a lovable rogue and former father-in-law to Jim Bergerac.
Born in Islington in 1923, Terence had served in World War 2 as a lieutenant with the 27th Lancers. He was seriously wounded in Italy when his armoured car was hit by artillery fire.
After completing his work on Bergerac, the star’s follow-up TV appearances included roles on Casualty and Doctor Who.
By the time Terence was starring in Bergerac, he was blind in one eye due to a condition of the retina, which seriously threatened his sight in the other eye.
He retired in acting from 1999 after suffering from Parkinson’s Disease.
Sadly, Terence passed away in May 2009, at the age of 86.
Sean Arnold
Sean Arnold starred as Chief Inspector/Superintendent Barney Crozier in the first eight series of Bergerac.
In late 2004, Sean landed a guest role as Dr. Harry Fisher in the BBC soap opera Doctors.
He would go on to receive a nomination for Villain of the Year at the 2005 British Soap Awards.
Sean sadly passed away in April 2020, aged 79.
Cécile Paoli
French actress Cécile Paoli is a unique case in terms of Bergerac, as she only starred in the first series.
In 1997, she played the role of Lucille Castineau in ITV drama Sharpe, starring Sean Bean and Daragh O’Malley.
Another acting credit includes the 2014 Endeavour episode “Sway”.
Deborah Grant
Deborah played Deborah Bergerac, the title character’s ex-wife, throughout the show’s run.
The actress has also appeared in programmes such as Doctors, Casualty and Jonathan Creek.
Since 2007, she has had a role in BBC sitcom Not Going Out, created by and starring Lee Mack.
Deborah portrays Wendy Adams, the mother of Tim (Tim Vine) and Lucy (Sally Bretton).
Annette Badland
Decades after her three-series stint in Bergerac, Annette Badland became a soap icon thanks to her role as Aunt Babe in EastEnders.
Appearing as the villainous character from 2014 to 2017, she was part of the soap’s expansive Carter family.
Annette’s other TV appearances include roles in Doctor Who, Ted Lasso and Outlander.
Much like John Nettles, Annette also went on to a role in Midsomer Murders. She has played the role of pathologist Dr. Fleur Perkins since 2019.
The actress has also had a taste of Hollywood, through a small role in 2005’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The film was directed by Tim Burton, while it starred Johnny Depp and Freddie Highmore.
Celia Imrie
Actress and author Celia appeared in series two of Bergerac, playing the role of Marianne Bellshade.
In the years since, she has gone on to other TV roles in the likes of Better Things and The Diplomat.
However, Celia has also enjoyed an extensive film career, with varied projects including the Bridget Jones series, Calendar Girls and Nanny McPhee.
She has also starred in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (and its sequel), as well as Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
Most recently, Celia was announced to be playing the lead role of Joyce Meadowcroft in The Thursday Murder Club.
Directed by Chris Columbus (Harry Potter, Home Alone) for Netflix, it is an adaptation of Richard Osman‘s popular book of the same name.
Louise Jameson
After her five-series run as Susan Young in Bergerac came to an end, Louise went on to a variety of other roles.
Notably, she starred in EastEnders for two-and-a-half years, playing the character Rosa di Marco.
Other TV appearances include a regular role in Doc Martin, with guest parts in The Bill, Doctors and Casualty.
Having played the roles of Leela in Doctor Who (1977-1978) and Anne Reynolds in The Omega Factor (1979), Louise has reprised both characters in audio form.
In 2022, Louise joined the cast of Emmerdale as series regular Mary Goskirk.
Thérèse Liotard
Thérèse appeared as Danielle Aubry in the final two series of Bergerac.
Her later career has included various roles in her native France, across both film and TV.
Other notable stars
As well as the main cast, a score of other famous faces made appearances on Bergerac.
Some were already well-known at the time, while others became recognisable names later on.
The esteemed list includes Bill Nighy, Ray Winstone, Connie Booth, Prunella Scales, Philip Glenister, Julian Glover and Norman Wisdom.
Another notable guest appearance was by Steve McFadden, known for playing Phil Mitchell in EastEnders.