BBC crime drama Bergerac to be rebooted with The Split star in lead role(Image: UKTV / Joss Barratt)

BBC crime drama Bergerac to be rebooted with The Split star in lead role

The original detective series aired for ten years between 1981 and 1991

by · The Mirror

The beloved BBC crime drama Bergerac is set for a comeback, more than three decades after its original run ended. The classic detective series, which aired from 1981 to 1991, starred Midsomer Murders actor John Nettles as Detective Jim Bergerac and is frequently rerun on channels like Alibi and Drama.

Now, the baton has been passed to actor Damien Molony, who will step into the shoes of Detective Bergerac in the revamped version of the popular drama, set to hit our screens in 2025.

Known for his roles in TV shows such as The Split, Derry Girls and Brassic, as well as films including The Current War and Kill Your Friends, Damien, 40, will be joined by Zoe Wanamaker and Philip Glenister in the six-part series Bergerac, which is currently under production.

The reboot is currently in production( Image: UKTV / Joss Barratt)

The cast also includes Coronation Street's Sasha Behar, Bodyguard's Pippa Haywood, Killing Eve's Robert Gilbert, Timothy Renouf and Celine Arden. The reboot, penned and produced by Toby Whithouse with contributions from writers Brian Fillis, Catherine Tregenna and Polly Buckle, will deviate from the original format by focusing on a single character-led murder mystery across all six episodes, unlike the original which featured a new storyline in each episode.

The official synopsis reads: "Viewers will meet Jim Bergerac (Molony) as a broken man, grappling with grief and alcoholism following his wife's recent death. His mother-in-law, Charlie (Wanamaker), is concerned Jim isn't putting his daughter Kim first and, when a woman from a wealthy Jersey family is murdered, Jim must fight through his personal struggles to become the formidable investigator he once was.

Detective Bergerac was originally portrayed by John Nettles( Image: Daily Record)

"With a troublesome convict resurfacing from his past, Bergerac is required to call on his sharp investigative instincts and past successes to navigate the intricate family dynamics, and watchful eyes of the police force, in order to solve the case", reports Wales Online.

Speaking about his new role as Detective Bergerac, Damien said: "I'm incredibly excited to be stepping into the role of Jim Bergerac. John Nettles has left an incredible legacy with big shoes to fill, and I hope I can bring a fresh new take on this iconic character. I can't wait for audiences to join me on this journey."

Bergerac will air on U and U&DRAMA in 2025.