Bergerac's Philip Glenister shares sentimental reason he's 'nostalgic' about ITV series

Bergerac is set to make a triumphant return after more than three decades, with an actor who featured in the final episode of the original series stepping into a pivotal role. Philip Glenister, known for his role in Life on Mars, will portray Arthur Wakefield, the father of a murder victim in the six-part reboot on streaming service U.

The revamped series sees Irish actor Damien Molony stepping into the iconic shoes of troubled Jersey detective Jim Bergerac. Showrunner Toby Whithouse's revival will see each season set on the picturesque island follow a single case, while the investigator grapples with his alcoholism and strained relationships with his daughter, Kim (played by Chloe Sweetlove) and mother-in-law Charlie Hungerford (Zoë Wanamaker).

Filming took place around Jersey in 2024, bringing Glenister back to the island over three decades after his minor role in the original drama's finale, All for Love in 1991. "I got paid more this time," he quipped at the series' premiere in London.

"I can tell you that much. My agent gave me that one, actually.

"It was one of my first ever jobs," he continued. "I left drama school in 1990 so it would have been literally one of my first jobs," reports the Express.

"I just remember having two weeks in Jersey and having a good time, to be honest."

For those TV viewers who may not be old enough to remember the original Bergerac, there are plenty more familiar faces to draw them in.

Some of the most notable actors have appeared on the popular TV series as guests, with appearances from the legendary Ray Winstone, comedy icon Connie Booth, EastEnders regular Steve McFadden, and Charles Gray, known for his role as Blofeld in James Bond. Robert Glenister fondly recalled working on the show: "I was in it with Bill Nighy. Don't know what happened to him... and Simon Williams."

He remembered the kindness of the leading star, saying: "And John was absolutely lovely. I remember he took us out for this very posh meal at this very posh restaurant on the other side of Jersey."

Glenister added: "It was very, very happy. It was a nice start to my career."

Recently seen on ITV's captivating drama After the Flood with Sophie Rundle, Glenister spoke about returning to a significant role on television, sharing his attachment to Bergerac: "I've got a bit of a soft spot for Bergerac," and explaining why the setting resonates personally due to its Channel Island location.

Glenister holds a special bond with the Channel Islands fostered by numerous summer holidays spent in Alderney during his youth. He remarked on his enduring connection: "I've been going there since the mid-70s as a teenager. My best friend's mother, who's 94, is still living there, so obviously the air is good."