Derry Girls star Damien Molony lands iconic role of Channel Island detective Jim Bergerac in TV reboot

An Irish actor has beaten off competition from some of the biggest names in British television to land the role of Jim Bergerac in the reboot of the classic detective series set on the island of Jersey.

The Mail on Sunday can reveal that Damien Molony, best known for his roles in TV series Derry Girls and Brassic, will take over the role made famous by John Nettles in the 1980s.

The 40-year-old father of two said: “I am incredibly excited to be taking on the role of Jim Bergerac. John Nettles has left an incredible legacy.”

Molony’s casting in the new version of the hit detective drama – which will air on UKTV – is likely to make him one of the UK’s biggest stars.

The new version of the drama, which will air on UKTV, also stars Zoe Wanamaker, as Bergerac’s mother-in-law, and Life On Mars star Philip Glenister.

Damien Molony as his character DS Jack Weston in the Channel 5 drama series Suspects

A host of big names, including Doctor Who star David Tennant, Happy Valley’s James Norton and Poldark’s Aidan Turner, have been linked to the show.

TV bosses hope the series, billed as a ‘new version’, will emulate the success of the original, which was a huge ratings hit for the BBC when it aired between 1981 and 1991.

The new reincarnation of Jim Bergerac has many of the same demons as his predecessor. Viewers will meet him as a broken man, struggling with alcoholism after the recent death of his wife. But he must put his personal struggles aside when a woman from a wealthy Jersey family is murdered.

In the original series, Bergerac dealt with his mischievous businessman father-in-law Charlie Hungerford, played by the late Terence Alexander.

This time around, the character of Charlie Hungerford is Bergerac’s formidable mother-in-law. She is played by Zoe Wanamaker, one of Britain’s most celebrated actors, best known for her starring role in the sitcom My Family. In the opening episode, viewers see her reprimand her son-in-law for not putting his daughter Kim first.

In May, John Nettles expressed doubts that someone else could play the title role

John Nettles in 1981 as his character Jim Bergerac in the original show

Philip Glenister, best known for his role as DCI Gene Hunt in the hit police series Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes, will play the role of Arthur Wakefield.

The show’s format has changed. Unlike the original, the new series will run one character-driven murder mystery across all six episodes, rather than a new storyline for each episode.

Jersey tourism leaders are keeping their fingers crossed that the new series will give Jersey tourism a much-needed boost.

Tricia Warwick, Chief Executive of Visit Jersey, said: ‘For many, the words ‘Jersey’ and ‘Bergerac’ are synonymous and we are delighted that the iconic TV series is returning to our island’s beautiful shores for filming this summer. The modern reimagining of Bergerac offers an opportunity to celebrate the show’s heritage in Jersey, whilst reaching a new generation of fans who are keen to ‘fly’ to the locations featured.’

John Nettles, 80, revealed last week that he turned down a cameo role in the new series because he felt he was too old

John Nettles pictured in 1988 with his 1947 Triumph Roadster

John Nettles, 80, revealed last week that he had turned down a cameo role in the new series because he felt he was too old.

He said, ‘I’m not going to do it because I can’t do it. I’m too old and I’d just be in the way.’

In May, Nettles expressed doubts that anyone else could play the title role.

Asked who should play Bergerac, he said: ‘I have no idea. To be honest, I can’t imagine anyone else playing him but me.’

The star also said he had doubts whether the reboot would work.

He said: ‘I can’t see how a reboot will work. The show belonged to Thatcherite Britain, to a time of easy money and pretty girls.’

Mr Nettles was unavailable for comment last night.