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.
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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.
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 bbcmaestro.com.