Government commits funding to Bergerac remake

The original BBC series, which was popular in the 1980s, featured John Nettles as the title character

Jersey’s government has committed funding to the new Bergerac series, a minister has revealed.

Deputy Kirsten Morel, the minister for Sustainable Economic Development, said he was not prepared to say the amount of money involved until contracts had been signed.

The remake of the show, which will be partly filmed in Jersey, will have a six episode release in 2025, and it is hoped it could help attract visitors to the island.

Producers initially asked Jersey’s government for £1.8m, but Mr Morel said the amount they were giving was less than that.

Deputy Kirsten Morel said the funding was a "leap of faith"

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Morel described the funding as a "leap of faith", as there was no guarantee the series would prove popular.

"We have tried in these negotiations to mitigate against that, so that even if the series in itself isn't successful, we do we get elements of success from it," he said.

The mitigations included setting up what was described as an “apprenticeship scheme” so islanders with an interest in media could be involved in the filming process in Jersey, he said, adding that instead of giving a lump sum to the production company, the government funding would only cover expenses incurred in the island.

"We're not just handing over money to the production company and they just disappear off into the distance with the money in their pockets," Mr Morel said.

"If it is not successful, we know that the worst thing that has happened is Jersey's government has spent money with Jersey businesses."

Marcus Calvani, from Jersey Hospitality Association, said he thought the series would boost tourism

The original BBC series aired from 1981 to 1991 and featured John Nettles as the title character, Det Sgt Jim Bergerac.

Marcus Calvani, from the Jersey Hospitality Association, welcomed the remake, saying it could be a “game changer” for tourism in the island.

“Half the people on planet earth are making a decision to go somewhere after seeing it on TV or in a film," he said.

“It is the second biggest influencer after getting a recommendation from family and friends.”