Original Bergerac star John Nettles ‘miffed’ showrunners still have not approached him about reboot

He became an 1980s sensation for his role as troubled womanizer detective Jim Bergerac.

But fans hoping to see John Nettles in the modern reboot of the drama will be disappointed, with the actor saying he’s ‘miffed’. Showrunners have not approached him.

The Mail on Sunday exclusively revealed plans to revive Bergerac, which is set on the island of Jersey and became a huge hit for the BBC when the original ten-year run began in 1981.

It was widely believed that Nettles, 80, would have a role or guest appearance in the new series.

John Nettles pictured with his Triumph Roadster in 1988

But in an interview this weekend, the star said he has been ignored by TV bosses until now.

“I’m kind of miffed that they haven’t had any contact at all,” he said.

Producers of the series, which starts filming this summer, are promising a “contemporary twist” on the beloved favorite. Much of it will be shot in Jersey and the series will air on UKTV and Drama channels.

Some of Britain’s biggest stars have been linked to the revival, including Doctor Who’s David Tennant, who is believed to have long expressed an interest in the role, former Poldark actor Aidan Turner and Happy’s James Norton Valley.

But Nettles doubted anyone could do justice to the role.

When asked who should play the role, he said: “I have no idea. To be honest, I can’t imagine anyone playing him but me.”

Nettles, who has since starred in Midsomer Murders, also wondered whether the show could succeed in a different political and social climate. He told The Daily Telegraph: ‘I don’t see how a restart will work. The show belonged to Thatcherite Britain, to a time of fast money and beautiful girls.’

However, Nettles said he now finds the detective’s attitude towards women “appalling”, adding: “I was channeling my younger self, I guess.” I was a child of the sixties. An infantile sexuality characterized that time. Attitudes towards women in the 1950s and 1960s were terrible.’

Therese Liotard (left) and John Nettles (right) on set during the filming of a scene for Bergerac in Aix en Provence, France

But he praised the female cast in the original series, including Celia Imrie and Louise Jameson, saying: “None of them are your idea of ​​a stereotypical decorative woman.”

He singled out actress Floella Benjamin, who played a role in the first series, with particular praise. “Race was never about tokenism back then,” Nettles said.

‘Actors were cast because they were talented and suitable for the role, which is the only reason to cast someone. It was never part of a discussion about inclusivity or social engineering.”

He also revealed that he received numerous letters from fans offering sexual favors after the role, making him a sex symbol. “I was flattered, of course I was,” he said. “But I didn’t take it seriously… You can’t believe your own publicity.”