Bergerac reboot in the works

The original Bergerac starred John Nettles as a detective on Jersey

A reboot of classic BBC police drama Bergerac is in the works for Viacom-owned Paramount Network International, it has been revealed.

Endemol Shine UK-backed prodco Artists Studio and Westward Studios are working on a modern version of the show for the network of channels outside the UK.

The lead producer on the development is Artists Studio’s Emmy-winning Gub Neal, known for hits such as Prime Suspect, Cracker and The Fall. Coproduction partner Westward Studios is based on the island of Jersey, where the classic series is set.

The original version ran on BBC1 for nine seasons between 1981 and 1991 starring John Nettles as Detective Jim Bergerac, and spawned several holiday specials.

Jill Offman, executive VP at Paramount Network, said “We have several exciting dramas in development, one of which is the classic favourite Bergerac. Our hope is that we will be able to commission Bergerac as a full series for Paramount Network International.”

Brian Constantine, CEO of Westward Studios and executive producer, said: “I’m excited at the prospect that Bergerac may be returning to our screens once again. It’s a much-loved drama and a real boost for Jersey, my home, where Bergerac has become part of the island’s identity.”

Neal added: “We’ve been trying to bring back Bergerac for some time and I’m very glad that we have the next generation of such an iconic show in development. Updated for the present day, it will deal with contemporary stories-of-the-week that run alongside a strong serial spine.”