Bergerac is as synonymous with Jersey as cows, potatoes, and tax breaks.
“You can’t mention Jim Bergerac without someone bringing up the island,” says Damien Molony, who plays the role in the upcoming UKTV reboot. “Jersey is as much a character in the show as the actors themselves – and it’s easy to see why. The weather is stunning, the people are wonderful, and the island’s quirks make it endlessly fascinating. My family and I love it here. This is my third visit since filming wrapped, and I already can’t wait to come back.”
Just as Molony fell in love with Jersey, so too did audiences when Bergerac first aired in 1981. Created by Robert Banks Stewart, the original BBC series ran for a decade, regularly attracting more than 13m viewers and boosting tourism to the island. And now, perhaps no one is more excited about the reboot than the locals.
Everyone who lived on Jersey during the filming of the original series has a story to tell – whether they were an extra, helped behind the scenes, or simply found themselves sharing a pint with John Nettles at their local pub. As a local myself, my parents – who moved to the island in the 80s – are no exception.
“I did an afternoon of filming as an extra for a scene in the episode A Cry in the Night,” says my mum, Kim Cope. “They needed someone in the background, so the other bank tellers and I drew straws – and I was the lucky one.
“John Nettles was filming a scene in the bank lobby, and then the camera panned to me at my desk in my uniform. It was such great fun to be part of the show. We all loved watching Bergerac, and I couldn’t wait to see myself on screen. It’s fantastic that it’s returning to the island – it’s a wonderful way to showcase how beautiful Jersey is. Although, in real life Bergerac wouldn’t have much work to do as there aren’t many murders here.”
Meanwhile, my dad, Peter, 69, a lift engineer, worked with the stunt team on the episode What Dreams May Come, when a character took a dramatic fall down a lift shaft.
“I was on set for a week assisting the stuntman,” he said. “I worked quite closely with John Nettles, and he was a great guy – always had time for the locals, and we were always happy to help. It became a normal part of island life to see them out and about filming.”
It’s a testament to the local fondness for the show that the premiere, held at Jersey’s only cinema in St. Helier, saw crowds lining up to watch the stars walk the red carpet, including Pippa Haywood and Philip Glenister.
Speaking at the event, Glenister – who appeared in the original series and now plays construction CEO Arthur Wakefield – said: “I’ve got a strong affinity to the Channel Islands, and especially Jersey. It’s always a pleasure to be here. Being part of both the original and the new series is a special moment for me.”
Here are some of the picturesque Jersey locations from the new series, along with Molony’s personal favourites and a few local tips…
St. Helier, the bustling capital of Jersey, has played a starring role in both the original and new Bergerac series. With its picturesque marina, boutiques and historic architecture, the town provides a stunning backdrop to many key scenes.
Liberation Square is a highlight – this landmark commemorates the island’s liberation from Nazi occupation and remains a focal point of local pride. Locally-caught seafood is showcased at he recently opened Pêtchi (a Jèrriais word meaning “to try to catch a fish”). From there, explore The Harbour Gallery, showcasing the work of Jersey artists, before stopping for a cocktail at The Porter’s Store – a bouji cocktail bar beneath the Pomme D’Or Hotel.
Situated in the heart of St Helier, the Central Market has been a pillar of island life for over 400 years. The current Victorian-era structure, completed in 1882, is a feast for the senses, its stalls bounteous with fresh produce, fragrant flowers, and artisanal goods.
A short stroll away, Royal Square houses the Royal Court and States Assembly, Jersey’s equivalent of Parliament. Encircled by boutiques, cafés, and pubs, it’s a lively hub, particularly on Saturdays when the local market takes over the square.
For a taste of island hospitality, enjoy a pint at The Cock and Bottle, a much-loved local pub, before indulging in authentic Spanish tapas at Sangria.
From St Helier, hop on LibertyBus Route 1 (£9 for a day pass) to Gorey Bay, where the stunning Mont Orgueil Castle, a majestic fortress built by King John of England in 1204 to defend against the French, stands. This dramatic landmark features prominently in many episodes of the new and original Bergerac series. Get to grips with the castle’s fascinating 800-year history with a guided tour (£19; jerseyheritage.org).
Gorey Village, one of Jersey’s most charming spots, sits below the castle. A relaxed fishing village with pastel-coloured cottages and a collection of alfresco restaurants and hotels, it has become a favourite of Damien Molony.
Showcased memorably in both Bergerac and its reboot, the jewel in Jersey’s crown is its stunning and often rugged landscape – and nowhere more so than St Ouen’s Bay.
A tranquil stretch of coastline near the south-west corner of Jersey, just a stone’s throw from the iconic Corbière Lighthouse, St Ouen’s Bay is popular for water sports and its breathtaking sunsets. Boards can be rented from thesurfyard.com.
This picturesque bay is also popular with walkers, its scenic coastal paths and sand dunes offering panoramic views of the Channel. There’s also Les Mielles Golf Course a little further back from the beach.
With its golden sand and crystal-clear water, St Brelade’s Bay is popular with families to who come to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Jersey. The nearby St Brelade’s Bay Hotel (also featured in Bergerac) has recently launched a new menu of Bergerac-inspired cocktails.
The Beach Club is a beachfront restaurant known for its fresh seafood and laid-back atmosphere.
A popular pub and restaurant overlooking St Aubin’s Harbour, The Old Courthouse was kown as “The Royal Barge” in the original series.
Today, the pub serves delicious food and drinks, including fresh Jersey oysters and local ale-battered fish and chips, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal or drink while soaking in the views of the harbour. The venue also has charming rooms for a quaint overnight stay.
On Saturdays, a vibrant local market sets up just across the way, selling fresh produce. Le Petit Train tourist train stops outside the nearby town hall, shuttling passengers on a delightful tour to St Helier with a touch of local history along the way (£6 child return, £9 adult, littletrain.co.uk).
According to Molony, Bouley Bay was the location of his first scene as Jim Bergerac which was filmed at 4am.
“The cast and crew were exhausted, but as we watched the sunrise, we all looked at each other and knew it had been worth it,” he recalls. “It was breathtaking.”
A picturesque cove on Jersey’s northern coastline, Bouley Bay is a popular spot for sea swimmers and home to the Bouley Bay Dive Centre (scubadivingjersey.com). It offers tranquil views no matter the time of day.
It’s a three-mile trek along the cliff path from the bay’s crystal-clear waters to the charming harbour of Rozel, where efforts can be rewarded with a bacon roll at The Hungry Man, a local favourite.
“While on the island I had an afternoon off, so my family and I took a boat trip out to Les Ecréhous, a rocky archipelago six miles from Jersey,” says Molony. “I’d never seen dolphins before, and a dozen bottlenoses appeared from nowhere to swim around the boat. I’ll never forget it.”
Les Ecréhous is a unique network of reefs and small tidal islands that offer a break from modern life and views of nearby France in the distance.
Enjoy swimming in the shallow bays or pack a picnic to enjoy on the sandy beaches. Be sure to keep an eye out for seals, which are often spotted around the area. Boat trips to Les Ecréhous are available from £43 through Island RIB Voyages (islandribvoyages.je).
Bergerac is available on U and U&DRAMA from Thursday 27 February.
How to get there
Flights to Jersey are operated from airports around the UK by British Airways, easyJet and Blue Islands.
Ferries run from Poole and Portsmouth with Brittany Ferries or DFDS.
More information jersey.com.
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