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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
The Sun
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Future of Bergerac reboot confirmed after controversial character sex swap & record ratings
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. 2 2 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. 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. 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.'
The Herald Scotland
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
BBC Bergerac reboot getting a series 2 - here's when
The series, which was released in February on the U&Drama channel and stars Damien Molony, follows Bergerac returning to work after a period of compassionate leave following the death of his wife. Now, it has been confirmed that the popular show is returning for a series 2. BBC Bergerac reboot getting a series 2 UKTV has announced today, April 30, that the re-imagined series of Bergerac will return for a second series following the "overwhelming success of the recent launch". It said: "The first series of Bergerac, which launched on February 27 on U and U&DRAMA, has become the second highest rating programme on U&DRAMA ever, with record numbers of 1.8 million consolidated viewers tuning in. "The launch contributed to a record-breaking performance on U, helping to achieve the best week ever for the platform." On the show's return for a second series, Molony, who stars at the titular character, 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.' Speaking with the Radio Times, previously discussed how he had met original Bergerac actor John Nettles and was given his blessing for a new version of the role. When is the Bergerac reboot returning for series 2? The rebooted series of Bergerac will be returning for another six-episode run and it set to air in 2026. UKTV said the second series will see Jim Bergerac "starting to put his life back together, while his mother-in-law Charlie Hungerford has a new man in her life". ♬ original sound - StreamOnU @streamonu John Nettles passes the mantle to Damien Molony in the brand new reimagining of the classic series, Bergerac. Watch the full conversation free on U! Brand new #Bergerac They continued: "Jim's even tentatively dating, with his daughter's encouragement, although it's a big step for him. But then he meets Nicola, a visitor to Jersey, and they connect. Could this be the start of something for Jim? "However, before the relationship even has time to blossom, Jim is pulled back into his next big case. "When the groom at a wedding reception on the island is found murdered in his hotel room, the wedding party comes under intense suspicion and scrutiny. "Jim will have to decipher the victim's cryptic last words from his speech if he is ever going to bring the killer to justice. "And when Jim starts to unravel old secrets, more skeletons come to light, making this his most intricate case yet." Recommended reading: How to watch the original and rebooted series of Bergerac Bergerac is available to stream for free on the streaming service U. Episodes from the original Bergerac series air occasionally on U&Drama and can also be found on the U streaming service.
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.
Daily Mirror
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Bridgerton star totally unrecognisable for new role in drama based on a 'scandalous' true story
You may not recognise this major Bridgerton star in their next role leading an upcoming period drama based on a shocking true story Bridgerton star Bessie Carter is practically unrecognisable in the sneak peek for her new drama series coming to U and U&DRAMA later this year. The English actress is best known for portraying Prudence Featherington in the hit Netflix series, which returned for its third season last year. However, she has now swapped her long, auburn curls and flowery gowns for a slightly more modern look in this new series set around 100 years after Bridgerton's Regency era. She will next lead the cast of Outrageous, a new six-part series about a riveting true story based on the notorious Mitford sisters. Carter will portray Nancy Mitford, alongside Joanna Vanderham, Shannon Watson, Zoe Brough, Orla Hill and Isobel Jesper Jones as her sisters, who became known for scandals, betrayals and political extremism throughout the 1930s. First-look stills have revealed Carter in some stunning period-accurate outfits that look worlds away from the Featheringtons. Viewers can also get a sneak peek at the rest of the all-star cast, which also includes Toby Regbo, Anna Chancellor and James Purefoy, as well as fellow Bridgerton star Calam Lynch. Joshua Sasse, Jamie Blackley, James Musgrave and Will Attenborough fill out the supporting cast. An enticing synopsis from U reads: 'Outrageous is the true story of six sisters who refuse to play by the rules, attracting scandal and notoriety at every turn. 'As the storm clouds of the 1930s gather, the Mitfords face a society in flux, and set out to be part of the change – with sometimes devastating consequences. 'Amid the crumbling world of the British aristocracy, eldest Nancy navigates love and heartache while her siblings are drawn down unexpected and increasingly divergent paths. 'Attracted to ungovernable men, drawn to radical ideas, the Mitfords can't stay out of the headlines – while their bewildered parents try to make sense of their daughters' behaviour and keep a grip on their failing finances. 'A family saga like no other, this is a tale of bonds and betrayals, public scandal, political extremism, jealousy, romance – and coming of age in the most extraordinary circumstances. Can the fractured sisterhood survive?' The six-episode drama is bound to generate controversy by shining a light on one of the most infamous aristocratic families in British history. Based on the definitive biography about the sisters, Mary Lovell's The Mitford Girls, this won't be one to miss for passionate fans of historical drama.
