John Nettles, 81, makes feelings clear on Bergerac replacement as iconic crime series reboot premieres
Damien Molony has taken over the iconic role of Jim Bergerac in the UKTV reboot released today – and it turns out he received some wise words from his predecessor, John Nettles, before taking on the part.
The 40-year-old Brassic star steps into the shoes of the legendary police officer originally portrayed by Nettles, who starred on the show for nine series between 1981 and 1991.
The Irish actor has revealed he received a heartwarming blessing from Nettles after landing the role.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk at the show’s premiere, Molony revealed that he and Nettles had lunch together just three weeks ago.
During their meeting, Nettles shared a touching sentiment with his successor and said: “He said, ‘Bergerac has been so good to my career, I hope it’s as good to yours.
“That was a really lovely sentiment,” the actor added, with Nettles having already watched the first episode of the reboot and revealing that he “really liked it”.
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The lunch took place in Torquay, where the two actors discussed their shared experiences in Jersey, with Moloney noting: “We just talked about our experiences in Jersey and all the great restaurants we used to go to and all the same beaches.”
This meeting came just weeks before the premiere of the rebooted series, and Nettles’ positive reaction to the first episode has been particularly meaningful for Molony as he takes on the beloved character.
While the original series saw Bergerac tackle a new crime each episode, the reboot focuses on just one case, following the murder of a young woman and the abduction of her infant daughter.
Both versions feature Bergerac’s struggle with alcoholism affecting his detective work, but in this updated take, his drinking problem stems from losing his wife rather than the original character’s demons.
Molony acknowledged the nostalgic appeal of the original series to audiences and said: “Everyone loves Bergerac. The mention of Bergerac has this nostalgic reminder of Sunday evenings at home with your family, watching the original series.
“You want to pay homage to that, which I think Toby [Whitehouse] has done brilliantly with wonderful little references to the original,” Molony explained.
Molony revealed he was in London when he received the news about landing the role of Bergerac, with his immediate reaction being one of pure joy.
“I screamed, obviously,” he recalled with enthusiasm before continuing the celebration as he “hugged my wife and kids, and then I rang my dad.”
“It was great,” the actor added, clearly still delighted by the opportunity to take on such an iconic character.
In the first episode, the detective returns to work after being on compassionate leave following the death of his wife. But he’s using drinking to cope, which has caused a rift between him and his daughter.
The official synopsis reads: “When a member of one of Jersey’s wealthiest families is murdered, Chief of Police Uma Dalal wants their best detective on the case.
“Bergerac returns to work to help him become the formidable detective he once was, whilst also trying to prove to his daughter Kim and mother-in-law Charlie Hungerford that his life is back on track.
“The Wakefields, led by patriarch and businessman Arthur, are keeping their cards close to their chests, whilst a man from Bergerac’s past resurfaces to make a shocking accusation. Is Bergerac up to the job?”