Bergerac is set to make a triumphant return after more than three decades, with an actor who featured in the final episode of the original series stepping into a pivotal role.
Philip Glenister, known for his role in Life on Mars, will portray Arthur Wakefield, the father of the murder victim in the six-part reboot on U.
The revamped series sees Irish actor Damien Molony stepping into the iconic shoes of troubled Jersey detective Jim Bergerac.
Showrunner Toby Whithouse’s revival will see each season set on the picturesque island follow a single case, while the investigator grapples with his alcoholism and strained relationships with his daughter, Kim (played by Chloe Sweetlove) and mother-in-law Charlie Hungerford (Zoë Wanamaker).
Filming took place around Jersey in 2024, bringing Glenister back to the island over three decades after his minor role in the original drama’s finale, All for Love in 1991. “I got paid more this time,” he quipped at the series’ premiere in London.
Bergerac reboot star spills ‘nostalgic’ connection to original series (Image: U)
“I can tell you that much. My agent gave me that one, actually.
“It was one of my first ever jobs,” he continued. “I left drama school in 1990 so it would have been literally one of my first jobs.
“I just remember having two weeks in Jersey and having a good time, to be honest.”
For those TV viewers who may not be old enough to remember the original Bergerac, there are plenty more familiar faces to draw them in.
Bergerac has a strained relationship with his family in the new series (Image: U)
Some of the biggest names who graced our screens as guest stars on the beloved TV series included the formidable Ray Winstone, comedy queen Connie Booth, stalwart Steve McFadden, and none other than James Bond’s notorious Blofeld actor Charles Gray.
Glenister fondly reminisced: “I was in it with Bill Nighy,” joking pensively, “Don’t know what happened to him… And Simon Williams.”
He recalled the warmth of the show’s star, noting: “And John was absolutely lovely. I remember he took us out for this very posh meal at this very posh restaurant on the other side of Jersey.”
The story continued with Glenister’s amusing first encounter with lobster dining which led to an unfortunate mishap with Nighy due to his unfamiliarity with seafood crackers.
Philip Glenister portrays the father of the murder victim (Image: U)
“It was very, very happy,” the actor reflected when speaking of his earlier days, “It was a nice start to my career.”
Recently seen in ITV’s gripping After the Flood alongside Sophie Rundle, the actor expressed his delight at reprising a more significant role in the series, declaring his affection: “I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for Bergerac,” and elucidating the personal resonance the show holds for him with its Channel Island setting.
Having spent countless summer holidays in Alderney during his formative years, Glenister has developed deep connections with the Channel Islands. “I’ve been going there since the mid-70s as a teenager. My best friend’s mother, who’s 94, is still living there, so obviously the air is good.
“We used to spend the summer holidays in Alderney,” he stated, nostalgically reflecting on those idyllic summers.
Philip Glenister as Philip in the last episode of the original series (Image: BBC)
Bergerac had a particular place in his heart as he explained: “And then when you get to September and the summer’s over, that’s when they would start the season of Bergerac on a Sunday night. So it was a nice memory to have of the summer and of the Channel Islands, was my feeling.”
Glenister beautifully summed up the allure of the show, saying: “It’s a nice gently walking to autumn but still a reminder of summer and the Channel Islands.”
The 2020s reboot of the classic detective series by U promises to retain its picturesque charm while delivering a riveting murder mystery and intense family drama for contemporary audiences.
Bergerac will premiere on Thursday, 27th February on U and U&Drama.