Detective Jim Bergerac Returns
After more than three decades, Detective Jim Bergerac is set to return to the picturesque landscapes of Jersey in a revival of the beloved classic detective series. Originally a staple of Sunday night television in the 1980s, Bergerac captured audiences with its captivating storylines and stunning scenery against the backdrop of the Channel Islands.
Each episode followed Detective Bergerac as he navigated through complex cases, providing a glimpse into the extravagant yet often troubled lives of the wealthy. The character’s own tumultuous life was filled with challenges, including personal demons and romantic entanglements, as he drove around the island in his signature classic Triumph Roadster.
This iconic series not only brought fame to its cast but also revitalized Jersey’s tourism industry. As we anticipate the new series, let’s take a look at what the original cast members have accomplished since the show concluded in 1991.
John Nettles
John Nettles became a household name playing the titular role of Jim Bergerac in the BBC series. His charm, accentuated by his leather jacket and the distinctive burgundy Triumph Roadster, turned him into an unexpected heartthrob. After the show wrapped up, Nettles performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company for five seasons and took on another detective role as Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Barnaby in the long-running ITV series Midsomer Murders, a role he held until 2011. Later, he appeared in the BBC period drama Poldark before retiring from acting. At 81 years old, he declined a cameo in the new series, stating, “I’m too old, and I’d just get in the way.”
Terence Alexander
Terence Alexander’s portrayal of Charlie Hungerford, Jim Bergerac’s lovable rogue father-in-law, made him a well-known figure in British television. Prior to Bergerac, Alexander was seen as Montague Dartie in The Forsyte Saga and Dr. Ian McLaren in Bless This House. He also appeared in notable films such as The Day of the Jackal and The Seven Dials Murder. After his time on Bergerac, he played Sir Greville Macdonald in The New Statesman from 1989 to 1992, marking his last television appearance in 1999 on Casualty. He retired due to health issues and passed away in 2009, at the age of 86.
Sean Arnold
Sean Arnold, known for his role as Barney Crozier, the officer overseeing the Bureau des Étrangers in Jersey, was already familiar to audiences as Mr. Llewelyn from the children’s program Grange Hill. His later roles included the chief constable in the BBC drama Merseybeat and as Harry Fisher in the soap opera Doctors, for which he received a nomination for Villain of the Year at the 2005 British Soap Awards. After settling in Jersey post-Bergerac, Arnold passed away in April 2020, at the age of 79.
Deborah Grant
Deborah Grant played the role of Deborah Bergerac, Jim’s former wife and Charlie Hungerford’s daughter. At 77, she has had a diverse career, including playing Leonora in the BBC sitcom Bread and receptionist Carol Johnson in the ITV medical drama Peak Practice. Since 2007, she has been a regular on the long-running BBC sitcom Not Going Out, portraying Wendy Adams, the mother of Tim and Lucy.
Louise Jameson
Louise Jameson portrayed Susan Young, an estate agent and Jim Bergerac’s girlfriend. She previously gained fame as Leela, the companion of Doctor Who in the late 1970s, and as Blanche Simmons in the BBC historical drama Tenko. Regularly appearing in Bergerac from 1985 to 1990, she later played Rosa di Marco in EastEnders from 1998 to 2000 and portrayed Eleanor Glasson in Doc Martin. Currently, at 73, she has been featured as Mary Goskirk in Emmerdale since 2022.
Annette Badland
Annette Badland played Charlotte, the secretary at the Bureau des Étrangers, during the first three series of Bergerac. She has since starred in numerous hits, including Holding On, Cutting It, Coronation Street, and EastEnders, where she played Babe Smith. Now 74, she garnered a Screen Actors Guild Award for her role as Mae the Landlady in Ted Lasso and is currently seen as Nanny Bingo in Big Boys.
Celia Imrie
Celia Imrie appeared in the second series of Bergerac as Marianne Bellshade, Jim’s girlfriend. Since her time in Jersey, she has become one of the UK’s most recognized actresses. The 72-year-old has starred in films like Calendar Girls, the Bridget Jones franchise, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Her television credits include Acorn Antiques, Dinner Ladies, Kingdom, Cranford, and Better Things. Beyond acting, she has authored several novels, including Not Quite Nice and Orphans of the Storm.
