How has Bergerac's island changed since the 1980s?

The island of Jersey has undergone significant changes since the original Bergerac television series first aired in the 1980s. The show was a massive hit, attracting an audience of 15 million viewers for its debut episode. Fast forward to the present, and the new series has captured the attention of 750,000 viewers during its initial airing. John Nettles, the original star of the show, is back in a different capacity, while Irish actor Damien Molony takes on the lead role of Jim Bergerac. The picturesque island of Jersey, which served as the backdrop for the series, has transformed in many ways over the decades. Kevin Lewis, a local politician who worked on the original show for a decade, reflects on these changes, noting that some areas are now 'beyond recognition. ' He reminisces about the vibrant tourism scene of the past, stating, 'I do miss the old days when we were literally humming with tourists. ' The new series of Bergerac has sparked discussions about the impact of television on tourism. Kevin Lewis believes that the reboot could potentially revive interest in Jersey as a travel destination. He expressed hope that if a second season is produced, it will be filmed entirely on the island. He acknowledges that while life in Jersey is generally good, the tone of the new series reflects a more somber reality for many residents. 'Things are a little darker now,' he admits, but he also emphasizes the island's natural beauty and recreational opportunities, saying, 'We’ve got beautiful beaches and we've got plenty to do. ' Brendan Flaxman, a retired police officer who appeared as an extra in three episodes of the original series, shares his perspective on the changes in Jersey. He joined the police force just before filming began in 1979 and recalls how the show captured the unique character of the island. Brendan believes that Jersey has become more similar to other places in the British Isles, losing some of its distinctiveness. He notes, 'In business life and everyday life, it’s pretty similar to any other place that you’d find in England. ' He also points out that the nightlife in Jersey has diminished significantly, stating, 'Nightlife has changed drastically; I think it doesn't really exist. ' Despite these changes, Brendan still considers Jersey a wonderful place to live, citing its safety and close-knit community. John Taylor, a businessman who opened a pearl and gold showroom in the 1980s, reflects on the challenges of running a business in Jersey today. He recalls the excitement of displaying the iconic Bergerac car in his showroom and the influx of tourists who would come to take pictures. However, he notes that the number of visitors has drastically decreased, from one million in 1985 to just 200,000 now. John acknowledges that life has become tougher for businesses in Jersey, but he believes that the island still has much to offer. His daughter, Julia Williams, who works alongside him, echoes this sentiment, stating, 'We’re here because we love it; this is a great industry to be in. ' In conclusion, while Jersey has changed significantly since the 1980s, the spirit of the island remains strong. The new Bergerac series has the potential to reignite interest in the island's tourism, and many residents continue to cherish the unique qualities that make Jersey a special place to live and visit.