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I adored Jersey — it's a crying shame that tourists aren't visiting
I adored Jersey — it's a crying shame that tourists aren't visiting

Metro

time5 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • Metro

I adored Jersey — it's a crying shame that tourists aren't visiting

This year's Bergerac reboot sparked hopes of a return to halcyon days for Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, just a 40-minute flight from London. It was always a popular holiday destination for UK travellers, but it wasn't until the John Nettles detective drama hit screens more than 30 years ago that visitor numbers really started to soar. The enthusiasm endured long after filming wrapped, but tourism dwindled over the past decade. A revival was on the cards when the reimagined BBC classic aired on U&Drama in March. However, new figures have revealed a significant drop in Jersey's visitor numbers compared with 2024. Latest statistics show a 24% drop across May, with only 53,000 people travelling to the island — 17,000 fewer than the same period last year. Tim Crowley, from the Jersey Chamber of Commerce, says the trend is troubling. It's a pity, as there is so much to explore in this destination that's so close to home. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Metro's senior showbiz reporter and resident TV expert Pierra Willix visited in March to coincide with the Bergerac release. She loved it, so let's recap on everything she saw and did. Years after the original ended, fans still call Bergerac 'timeless' and 'one of the best crime shows in UK history'. While reviews for the reboot have been mixed, many older residents are keen to chat about the impact the original series had. Over the decade that the original series filmed on the island, dozens of locals took part, including my taxi driver, Gary. Years ago on a whim, he moved to Jersey without ever being there before. While working as a barman, Gary was asked to make an appearance in the show, serving drinks to Bergerac and his father-in-law Charlie Hungerford (Terence Alexander). Although it wasn't a speaking role, he relished the chance to play a part in the series, which attracted 15 million viewers a week in its heyday. It's a story I hear several times over; people here are clearly proud of the show's legacy. Gabby Mason, co-owner of Driftwood Café and Jade S-Fisheries, was raised on the island because of the series – her parents relocated from the United Kingdom after being entranced by the place they saw on screen. This time around the production team again turned to locals to bolster the cast. Around 300 Jersey residents appear in the reimagined series. Filmed on the island in the summer of 2024, the show features spectacular scenery and landmarks including La Rocco, a beachside tower at the expansive St Ouen's Bay, a favourite among surfers who rush to take advantage of the Atlantic swell on the west side of the island. Embroidered along the shore are cafes and restaurants serving up fresh seafood, including Le Braye Bistro, which offers quintessential British seaside fare with a Mediterranean twist (the prawn tacos are a standout). Food is big business in Jersey; more than 500 restaurants are spread across the nine-by-five-mile territory that has a population of 100,000. Unsurprisingly the seafood is a highlight, with menus overflowing with everything from prawns and sea bream to scallops and crab. With a large Madeiran community, Jersey also has a wealth of Portuguese cafes and restaurants run by the people who know the cuisine best. The passion for local produce is evident everywhere, and everyone tells me not to leave without trying the island's famous royal potatoes, butter and ice cream. Culinary highlights include Brassiere Colmar, Sangria Tapas and Restaurant and The Moorings, which has an oyster happy hour that regularly attracted Bergerac stars during days off filming. Around 70% of the island's tourists come from the UK. These are people looking for a 'little slice of the UK with a French twist', I'm told. Over the years many have come to the island to find the locations they saw on Bergerac. Among the most quaint is Bouley Bay, a picturesque swimming spot popular with snorkellers and scuba divers, Archirondel and St. Brelade's Bay, where shops, cafes and restaurants are dotted along the promenade. In summer the beach is packed with families soaking up the sunshine, but in the cooler months locals enjoy sunset walks while the area is quiet. Today, Jersey is all saccharine scenery and chocolate box villages. But its beauty belies a dark past. Following the witch hunts of the 16th and 17th-century, the Channel Islands got the dubious title of Europe's'witch-hunting capital'. Some 65 islanders were put on trial, and 33 of them were executed between 1560 and 1660. Superstitious islanders erected 'witches' stones' – flat stones jutting out of their chimneys – on their homes. They believed they were providing flying witches a place to rest, in the hopes of avoiding their wrath. Another reminder of Jersey's troubled history are the War Tunnels built during the five-year Nazi occupation from 1940 until liberation in 1945, an event still celebrated with an annual bank holiday. Under Hitler's orders, around 1,000 metres of tunnels were built across the island by 6,000 forced workers from Russia, Spain, France and Poland. The vast network was created to allow the occupying German forces to withstand Allied air raids and bombardment in the event of an invasion, and many bunkers and tunnels are still intact today. Jersey also lays claim to one of the 10 oldest buildings in the world, La Hougue Bie, a Neolithic passage grave where visitors can stand inside the chamber of the sacred space. Although Jersey has historically been seen as a holiday destination for older people, there's plenty to see and do that will keep visitors of all ages engaged, from Mount Orgueil Castle and Elizabeth Castle to the Jersey Zoo. Although Irish-born Bergerac star Damien Molony only watched the original after being cast, he quickly fell in love with the island the show has always called home. Speaking to Metro, Damien Molony said locals approached him during filming to share their excitement about the reboot, as well as their memories of the original. 'I think so many people from Jersey have either played a supporting part in the original series or had come across John Nettles at some point. 'I mean, the number of times I got into the back of a cab and the driver would say, 'let me tell you about the time I had John Nettles here' and wonderful memories, and I think everyone was just so thrilled to have it back,' he said. Damien admitted it was difficult when he told people he was filming a project in Jersey. 'Jersey equals Bergerac and Bergerac equals Jersey. More Trending 'When I got the job, I wasn't allowed to tell people what I was doing, but people were asking, 'what are you guys doing for the summer holidays?' And I said, 'I'm actually going to Jersey to do some work'. And you could see them kind of putting two and two together a lightbulb moment because they're so synonymous with each other.' Although he only got one day off during filming, the actor has returned three times since filming wrapped – including with his wife and two young children, who cried when they had to leave. 'Jersey is obviously incredibly beautiful. It's as beautiful at 2 degrees as it is at 32 degrees, you know. And I think, particularly in the depths of winter, audiences want to be transported to beautiful locations,' he said. How to get to Jersey Part of the Common Travel Area, visitors can fly or take a ferry to Jersey from the UK or Ireland. There are over 20 airports that fly to Jersey, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Dublin, with most flights taking around an hour or less. You can also travel by car, bike or foot on ferries from Poole or Portsmouth – with overnight cabin crossing and faster daytime boats available. Where to stay in Jersey There is no shortage of places to stay in Jersey, from budget-friendly accommodation options to luxurious retreats. Overlooking St. Helier, rooms at Hotel De France start at £144 per night. Over in Gorey, a room at The Moorings is around £145 a night. Meanwhile rooms at St Brelade's Bay Hotel are around £130/ night. Things to know Like many of the UK's coastal towns and cities, Jersey attracts many visitors in its summer months, where the average temperature sitting around 17 degrees. In the winter, Jersey's average temperature is 6 degrees, however the island can face storms, fog and strong winds. UK citizens also don't need a visa to enter Jersey but most airlines and ferry operators require some for of Government ID. This article was originally published on 1 March 2025 and has been updated. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: I visited Prague's 'narrowest street' to see if it lives up to the TikTok hype MORE: 'Hidden gem' crowned the UK's top budget-friendly beach to visit this summer MORE: This street in Europe is just 50cm wide and has traffic lights so tourists don't get stuck

Midsomer Murders detective addresses return to beloved role 20 years after exit
Midsomer Murders detective addresses return to beloved role 20 years after exit

Daily Mirror

time02-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Daily Mirror

Midsomer Murders detective addresses return to beloved role 20 years after exit

Midsomer Murders star Daniel Casey has opened up about the possibility of returning to the popular ITV series, as he paid a sweet tribute to Neil Dudgeon Midsomer Murders alum Daniel Casey, famed for his role as original sidekick Sergeant Gavin Troy, hasn't ruled out making an epic return to the popular ITV series. Serving alongside DCI Tom Barnaby, portrayed by John Nettles from 1997 to 2003, Daniel departed when his character climbed the ranks to Detective Inspector and was subsequently transferred. ‌ John Nettles departed the series in 2011, passing the baton to Neil Dudgeon as John Barnaby. Yet, with the 25th series in production, Daniel spoke in an exclusive chat with about the prospect of reigniting his role. ‌ "It really hadn't occurred to me, but I would be open to everything, really, and the show is so well loved still," he teased. He fondly recalled his spectacular appearance at a key moment in the show: "I returned once when Cully got married, and that was great. "I loved my entrance. Coming flying off the road and crashing into the trees and walking out of the wreckage to see John standing there was just brilliant." Ever optimistic, he hinted, "So yeah, never say never, that would be a lovely idea, wouldn't it?" reports the Express. He also praised the current lead investigator, stating, "Neil Dudgeon is such a lovely fella and does such a beautiful job." ‌ Intriguingly, earlier this year, buzz swelled with news that Daniel would revisit the world of Midsomer Murders as DCI Tom Barnaby during a special UK stage tour titled Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger's Drift. "I never expected to revisit the world of Midsomer, with its weird and wonderful characters and all their dark, twisted secrets," he previously said about the role, according to the Daily Mirror. "So to be asked to play the iconic role of Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby in this new stage adaptation of The Killings at Badger's Drift was a real surprise. Workshopping the play, you realise the characters have an inherent theatricality, which is perfect to bring to the stage." He further added: "It has brought back some wonderful memories of such a happy time in my career playing Sergeant Troy and the fantastic time I had working with the amazing John Nettles and to be stepping into his shoes as Barnaby is both a little daunting and incredibly exciting." Midsomer Murders is available to watch on ITVX.

British drama becomes hit in Japan despite mixed UK reviews
British drama becomes hit in Japan despite mixed UK reviews

Daily Mail​

time12-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Daily Mail​

British drama becomes hit in Japan despite mixed UK reviews

An iconic British drama has become an unlikely hit in Japan despite a string of mixed reviews in the UK. The six-part crime series, titled Bergerac, hit screens with a reboot back in February and stars Damien Molony, who stepped into John Nettles's lead role of Jim Bergerac. Originally airing in 1981, the remake follows the complicated detective Jim as he has to deal with the past case of a murdered woman alongside his own personal issues. All six episodes are available to watch for free on the U&Drama streaming service. In an unexpected move, the Jersey-based series has caught the attention of TV bosses in Japan. Bergerac is now reportedly set to air on Japanese broadcaster WOWOW. However, the remake of the detective drama flopped in the UK and has a mediocre 6.4/10 rating on IMDb, with many favouring the original. The Mail's Christopher Stevens scored the series four out of five stars but noted it 'very different production from the one that enthralled audiences in the Eighties'. Other critics weren't so positive and the Scottish Daily Mail's John Macleod expressed his dismay at the lack of 'original ideas' on television. The New Statesman penned how the reboot 'lost all its drollness and sense of fun'. The publication dubbed it 'the half-hearted return of Bergerac'. Radio Times was more positive and scored the reboot three out of five stars and praised how 'nods to the original will tick boxes for longtime fans'. Though the publication noted 'there's no sign of the reggae-tinged accordion theme tune, which was a banger'. While some fans missed the charm of the YEAR series and penned on Rotten Tomatoes: 'What a shame, it's all got to serious, none of the understated humour of the original series, which I've started watching again, far better.' Another added: 'Tried it this evening and sorry the main character has the charisma of a goldfinch and high doses of being annoying and self-centred. 'John Nettles had the ability to make you like him... which this new character doesn't. 'Without John Nettles Midsomer Murders would have fold as this series will very quickly under its new straight jacket of cliches and bad acting.' Bergerac 2025 hit an impressive 1.8million viewers per episode when it first hit screens earlier this year. Want more stories like this from the Daily Mail? Visit our profile page and hit the follow button above for more of the news you need.

Iconic British drama becomes unlikely hit in Japan despite string of mixed reviews in the UK
Iconic British drama becomes unlikely hit in Japan despite string of mixed reviews in the UK

Daily Mail​

time12-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Daily Mail​

Iconic British drama becomes unlikely hit in Japan despite string of mixed reviews in the UK

An iconic British drama has become an unlikely hit in Japan despite a string of mixed reviews in the UK. The six-part crime series, titled Bergerac, hit screens with a reboot back in February and stars Damien Molony, who stepped into John Nettles's lead role of Jim Bergerac. Originally airing in 1981, the remake follows the complicated detective Jim as he has to deal with the past case of a murdered woman alongside his own personal issues. All six episodes are available to watch for free on the U&Drama streaming service. In an unexpected move, the Jersey-based series has caught the attention of TV bosses in Japan. Bergerac is now reportedly set to air on Japanese broadcaster WOWOW. Originally airing in 1981, the remake follows the complicated detective Jim as he has to deal with the past case of a murdered woman alongside his own personal issues. Nettles pictured as Bergerac However, the remake of the detective drama flopped in the UK and has a mediocre 6.4/10 rating on IMDb, with many favouring the original. The Mail's Christopher Stevens scored the series four out of five stars but noted it 'very different production from the one that enthralled audiences in the Eighties'. Other critics weren't so positive and the Scottish Daily Mail's John Macleod expressed his dismay at the lack of 'original ideas' on television. The New Statesman penned how the reboot 'lost all its drollness and sense of fun'. The publication dubbed it 'the half-hearted return of Bergerac'. Radio Times was more positive and scored the reboot three out of five stars and praised how 'nods to the original will tick boxes for longtime fans'. Though the publication noted 'there's no sign of the reggae-tinged accordion theme tune, which was a banger'. While some fans missed the charm of the YEAR series and penned on Rotten Tomatoes: 'What a shame, it's all got to serious, none of the understated humour of the original series, which I've started watching again, far better.' Another added: 'Tried it this evening and sorry the main character has the charisma of a goldfinch and high doses of being annoying and self-centred. 'John Nettles had the ability to make you like him... which this new character doesn't. 'Without John Nettles Midsomer Murders would have fold as this series will very quickly under its new straight jacket of cliches and bad acting.' Bergerac 2025 hit an impressive 1.8million viewers per episode when it first hit screens earlier this year.

Future of Bergerac reboot confirmed after controversial character sex swap & record ratings
Future of Bergerac reboot confirmed after controversial character sex swap & record ratings

Scottish Sun

time30-04-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Scottish Sun

Future of Bergerac reboot confirmed after controversial character sex swap & record ratings

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DAMIEN MOLONY will be back for more as Detective Jim Bergerac as UKTV have confirmed the remake of the hit 1980s drama is set to return for a second series next year. It follows the success of the recent launch of its first series, which landed on U&DRAMA in February, and became the second highest viewed programme on the channel of all time. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 Damien Molony will be back as Detective Jim Bergerac as the remake of the hit drama is set for a second series Credit: Joe Pepler/PinPep 2 Actor John Nettles in the original Bergerac Credit: Rex A record number of 1.8million people tuned in for each episode, just shy of the numbers' Samantha Bond and Cara Horgan's drama series The Marlow Murder Club drew in for its launch in March. Damien said: 'Bringing this iconic role back has been an incredible experience. 'My predecessor had solved six crimes in the time it's taken for me to solve one, so I have a bit of catching up to do. I can't wait to see what case we crack next.' The actor, who took over the role from John Nettles, is back, as is Robert Gilbert as Barney Crozier. Zoe Wanamaker returns as Charlie Hungerford following the reboot's controversial move to pull off a gender swap for the character. In the original series, the role was played by Terence Alexander and Charlie was Jim Bergerac's father-in-law. This time Charlie is his mother-in-law. MAGICIAN Alexandra Burgio and dancers Cheer Re Mans will be among the next acts as Britain's Got Talent returns. Jannick Holste, John Pierce, Lil M's, Olly Pearson, Will Burns and Stacey Leadbeatter are also competing for a place in the grand final, on ITV this Saturday at 7pm. BAFTA WIN FOR MR BATES ITV will receive Bafta's Special Award for drama Mr Bates Vs The Post Office. Bergerac viewers blast reboot and rage 'I'm not ready for a hearing aid yet' over character's 'whispering' - but did you spot it? The four-parter, which was the channel's most-watched series in 2024 with 15million viewers, was praised for helping wrongly jailed sub-postmasters win justice. Bafta chair Hilary Rosen said: 'This shows the power of television to change hearts and minds. 'This Special Award honours the social and public impact television can have. As Mr Bates Vs The Post Office has proved, audiences want and need to hear these important British stories.' The series will also go up against One Day, Baby Reindeer, Lost Boys and Fairies in the Best Limited Drama category, with stars Toby Jones and Monica Dolan up for the Leading Actor and Actress categories. STEPHEN MANGAN will make his 16th appearance as guest host of BBC One hit Have I Got News For You? He follows David Tennant who will be joined by comedian Miles Jupp and Sky News presenter Beth Rigby on May 9. Stephen's episode will air at 9pm on May 16. AGATHA REBORN THE BBC has used AI to bring Agatha Christie back to life to help aspiring writers. Using restored interviews with the novelist, her private letters and other works, the Beeb's learning platform BBC Maestro has created the special course to guide students through the art of suspense, plot twists, and characters. Then, using AI-enhanced technology, tech whizzes have collaborated with an actress and visual effect artists to recreate Agatha Christie's presence and voice. James Prichard, Agatha Christie's great-grandson said: 'Through this course, you truly will receive a lesson in crafting a masterful mystery, in Agatha's very own words.' You can sign up to the £79 course at

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