Latest news with #JohnNettles
Daily Mirror
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Midsomer Murders detective addresses return to beloved role 20 years after exit
Midsomer Murders star Daniel Casey has opened up about the possibility of returning to the popular ITV series, as he paid a sweet tribute to Neil Dudgeon Midsomer Murders alum Daniel Casey, famed for his role as original sidekick Sergeant Gavin Troy, hasn't ruled out making an epic return to the popular ITV series. Serving alongside DCI Tom Barnaby, portrayed by John Nettles from 1997 to 2003, Daniel departed when his character climbed the ranks to Detective Inspector and was subsequently transferred. John Nettles departed the series in 2011, passing the baton to Neil Dudgeon as John Barnaby. Yet, with the 25th series in production, Daniel spoke in an exclusive chat with about the prospect of reigniting his role. "It really hadn't occurred to me, but I would be open to everything, really, and the show is so well loved still," he teased. He fondly recalled his spectacular appearance at a key moment in the show: "I returned once when Cully got married, and that was great. "I loved my entrance. Coming flying off the road and crashing into the trees and walking out of the wreckage to see John standing there was just brilliant." Ever optimistic, he hinted, "So yeah, never say never, that would be a lovely idea, wouldn't it?" reports the Express. He also praised the current lead investigator, stating, "Neil Dudgeon is such a lovely fella and does such a beautiful job." Intriguingly, earlier this year, buzz swelled with news that Daniel would revisit the world of Midsomer Murders as DCI Tom Barnaby during a special UK stage tour titled Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger's Drift. "I never expected to revisit the world of Midsomer, with its weird and wonderful characters and all their dark, twisted secrets," he previously said about the role, according to the Daily Mirror. "So to be asked to play the iconic role of Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby in this new stage adaptation of The Killings at Badger's Drift was a real surprise. Workshopping the play, you realise the characters have an inherent theatricality, which is perfect to bring to the stage." He further added: "It has brought back some wonderful memories of such a happy time in my career playing Sergeant Troy and the fantastic time I had working with the amazing John Nettles and to be stepping into his shoes as Barnaby is both a little daunting and incredibly exciting." Midsomer Murders is available to watch on ITVX.
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
British drama becomes hit in Japan despite mixed UK reviews
An iconic British drama has become an unlikely hit in Japan despite a string of mixed reviews in the UK. The six-part crime series, titled Bergerac, hit screens with a reboot back in February and stars Damien Molony, who stepped into John Nettles's lead role of Jim Bergerac. Originally airing in 1981, the remake follows the complicated detective Jim as he has to deal with the past case of a murdered woman alongside his own personal issues. All six episodes are available to watch for free on the U&Drama streaming service. In an unexpected move, the Jersey-based series has caught the attention of TV bosses in Japan. Bergerac is now reportedly set to air on Japanese broadcaster WOWOW. However, the remake of the detective drama flopped in the UK and has a mediocre 6.4/10 rating on IMDb, with many favouring the original. The Mail's Christopher Stevens scored the series four out of five stars but noted it 'very different production from the one that enthralled audiences in the Eighties'. Other critics weren't so positive and the Scottish Daily Mail's John Macleod expressed his dismay at the lack of 'original ideas' on television. The New Statesman penned how the reboot 'lost all its drollness and sense of fun'. The publication dubbed it 'the half-hearted return of Bergerac'. Radio Times was more positive and scored the reboot three out of five stars and praised how 'nods to the original will tick boxes for longtime fans'. Though the publication noted 'there's no sign of the reggae-tinged accordion theme tune, which was a banger'. While some fans missed the charm of the YEAR series and penned on Rotten Tomatoes: 'What a shame, it's all got to serious, none of the understated humour of the original series, which I've started watching again, far better.' Another added: 'Tried it this evening and sorry the main character has the charisma of a goldfinch and high doses of being annoying and self-centred. 'John Nettles had the ability to make you like him... which this new character doesn't. 'Without John Nettles Midsomer Murders would have fold as this series will very quickly under its new straight jacket of cliches and bad acting.' Bergerac 2025 hit an impressive 1.8million viewers per episode when it first hit screens earlier this year. Want more stories like this from the Daily Mail? Visit our profile page and hit the follow button above for more of the news you need.
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Iconic British drama becomes unlikely hit in Japan despite string of mixed reviews in the UK
An iconic British drama has become an unlikely hit in Japan despite a string of mixed reviews in the UK. The six-part crime series, titled Bergerac, hit screens with a reboot back in February and stars Damien Molony, who stepped into John Nettles's lead role of Jim Bergerac. Originally airing in 1981, the remake follows the complicated detective Jim as he has to deal with the past case of a murdered woman alongside his own personal issues. All six episodes are available to watch for free on the U&Drama streaming service. In an unexpected move, the Jersey-based series has caught the attention of TV bosses in Japan. Bergerac is now reportedly set to air on Japanese broadcaster WOWOW. Originally airing in 1981, the remake follows the complicated detective Jim as he has to deal with the past case of a murdered woman alongside his own personal issues. Nettles pictured as Bergerac However, the remake of the detective drama flopped in the UK and has a mediocre 6.4/10 rating on IMDb, with many favouring the original. The Mail's Christopher Stevens scored the series four out of five stars but noted it 'very different production from the one that enthralled audiences in the Eighties'. Other critics weren't so positive and the Scottish Daily Mail's John Macleod expressed his dismay at the lack of 'original ideas' on television. The New Statesman penned how the reboot 'lost all its drollness and sense of fun'. The publication dubbed it 'the half-hearted return of Bergerac'. Radio Times was more positive and scored the reboot three out of five stars and praised how 'nods to the original will tick boxes for longtime fans'. Though the publication noted 'there's no sign of the reggae-tinged accordion theme tune, which was a banger'. While some fans missed the charm of the YEAR series and penned on Rotten Tomatoes: 'What a shame, it's all got to serious, none of the understated humour of the original series, which I've started watching again, far better.' Another added: 'Tried it this evening and sorry the main character has the charisma of a goldfinch and high doses of being annoying and self-centred. 'John Nettles had the ability to make you like him... which this new character doesn't. 'Without John Nettles Midsomer Murders would have fold as this series will very quickly under its new straight jacket of cliches and bad acting.' Bergerac 2025 hit an impressive 1.8million viewers per episode when it first hit screens earlier this year.
Scottish Sun
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Future of Bergerac reboot confirmed after controversial character sex swap & record ratings
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DAMIEN MOLONY will be back for more as Detective Jim Bergerac as UKTV have confirmed the remake of the hit 1980s drama is set to return for a second series next year. It follows the success of the recent launch of its first series, which landed on U&DRAMA in February, and became the second highest viewed programme on the channel of all time. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 Damien Molony will be back as Detective Jim Bergerac as the remake of the hit drama is set for a second series Credit: Joe Pepler/PinPep 2 Actor John Nettles in the original Bergerac Credit: Rex A record number of 1.8million people tuned in for each episode, just shy of the numbers' Samantha Bond and Cara Horgan's drama series The Marlow Murder Club drew in for its launch in March. Damien said: 'Bringing this iconic role back has been an incredible experience. 'My predecessor had solved six crimes in the time it's taken for me to solve one, so I have a bit of catching up to do. I can't wait to see what case we crack next.' The actor, who took over the role from John Nettles, is back, as is Robert Gilbert as Barney Crozier. Zoe Wanamaker returns as Charlie Hungerford following the reboot's controversial move to pull off a gender swap for the character. In the original series, the role was played by Terence Alexander and Charlie was Jim Bergerac's father-in-law. This time Charlie is his mother-in-law. MAGICIAN Alexandra Burgio and dancers Cheer Re Mans will be among the next acts as Britain's Got Talent returns. Jannick Holste, John Pierce, Lil M's, Olly Pearson, Will Burns and Stacey Leadbeatter are also competing for a place in the grand final, on ITV this Saturday at 7pm. BAFTA WIN FOR MR BATES ITV will receive Bafta's Special Award for drama Mr Bates Vs The Post Office. Bergerac viewers blast reboot and rage 'I'm not ready for a hearing aid yet' over character's 'whispering' - but did you spot it? The four-parter, which was the channel's most-watched series in 2024 with 15million viewers, was praised for helping wrongly jailed sub-postmasters win justice. Bafta chair Hilary Rosen said: 'This shows the power of television to change hearts and minds. 'This Special Award honours the social and public impact television can have. As Mr Bates Vs The Post Office has proved, audiences want and need to hear these important British stories.' The series will also go up against One Day, Baby Reindeer, Lost Boys and Fairies in the Best Limited Drama category, with stars Toby Jones and Monica Dolan up for the Leading Actor and Actress categories. STEPHEN MANGAN will make his 16th appearance as guest host of BBC One hit Have I Got News For You? He follows David Tennant who will be joined by comedian Miles Jupp and Sky News presenter Beth Rigby on May 9. Stephen's episode will air at 9pm on May 16. AGATHA REBORN THE BBC has used AI to bring Agatha Christie back to life to help aspiring writers. Using restored interviews with the novelist, her private letters and other works, the Beeb's learning platform BBC Maestro has created the special course to guide students through the art of suspense, plot twists, and characters. Then, using AI-enhanced technology, tech whizzes have collaborated with an actress and visual effect artists to recreate Agatha Christie's presence and voice. James Prichard, Agatha Christie's great-grandson said: 'Through this course, you truly will receive a lesson in crafting a masterful mystery, in Agatha's very own words.' You can sign up to the £79 course at
Daily Mirror
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Bergerac returning with second series following success of 80s reboot
Bergerac is based on the original TV series created by Robert Banks Stewart, which starred John Nettles, and ran for nine series on the BBC between 1981 and 1991 The re-imagined series of Bergerac will return for a second series, following the overwhelming success of the recent launch. The critically acclaimed drama, starring Damien Molony, will return to the free streaming service U, and U&DRAMA in 2026. The first series of the return of Bergerac, which launched on 27th February on U and U&DRAMA, has become the second highest rating programme on U&DRAMA ever, with record numbers of 1.8million consolidated viewers tuning in. The launch contributed to a record-breaking performance on U, helping to achieve the best week ever for the platform. This follows the success of The Marlow Murder Club as the top U&Original drama to launch on the free streaming service in 2025. Damien Molony said: 'I'm so excited to be returning for a second series and to be heading back to the beautiful island of Jersey. Bringing this iconic role back has been an incredible experience. "My predecessor had solved six crimes in the time it's taken for me to solve one, so I have a bit of catching up to do. I can't wait to explore the character of Jim Bergerac further and see what case we crack next.' Zoë Wanamaker will return as Charlie Hungerford and Robert Gilbert as Barney Crozier. Further cast will be confirmed in the coming months. Helen Perry, head of drama, commissioning said, 'I am so delighted we're retuning to Jersey for a second series of Bergerac. Toby Whithouse and Blacklight TV have done a remarkable job, taking a much-loved classic and re-inventing it for today's audience.' Damien landed the role of Jim Bergerac in the reboot, with him previously revealing he knew there was going to be a positive reaction to him landing the role. "Well, when I was first cast as Bergerac, I wasn't allowed to tell anyone I was playing Jim or even that there was a re-imagined series in the works," he explained earlier this year. "People would ask me what I was doing for the summer holidays, and I'd say 'well, I'm actually going to Jersey to do some work'. You could see their brains putting two and two together and lots of people commented that I would be like a young version of Bergerac. "I found it funny that even at the very mention of Jersey, people were already thinking about the series. "It really does go to show how synonymous it is with the island. Safe to say that there was a lot of excitement when it was revealed that I would be stepping into the iconic role. And when friends and family found out, they all wanted to know about the car!" 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.
