Veteran actors Adrian Edmondson and Zoë Wanamaker have made a deliberate choice to avoid any intimate scenes in their new television series, citing their age as a key factor. The pair, who share a bed scene in the remake of the classic detective show Bergerac, decided that portraying physical intimacy was unnecessary and instead opted for a simpler, more tender moment.
A Sweet Alternative to Intimacy
Edmondson, 69, best known for his work in The Young Ones and Bottom, revealed that the scene required him to join Wanamaker, 76, in bed. However, both actors felt uncomfortable with the idea of performing anything sexually suggestive. "We both thought it was unnecessary to see people our age getting intimate," Edmondson explained. "So we determined to hold hands while sleeping instead."
This decision resulted in what Edmondson describes as his favourite moment from the series. "My favourite scene was our bed scene – not much of a scene really, just a shot of us in bed," he said. "We knew we'd got it right when we heard the director go, 'Awww'." The actor emphasised that the hand-holding created a far sweeter and more authentic connection between the characters.
Mutual Respect and Professionalism
In an interview with The Mirror, Edmondson praised his co-star Wanamaker, highlighting her extensive experience and skill. "It's always very educational to work with people who are so good at their craft. I learnt a lot," he stated. He also affectionately described Wanamaker as "as mad as a box of frogs," adding, "I'm sure Zoë wouldn't mind me letting everyone know that. Some of the best people are."
Despite having known each other for years, this project marks the first time Edmondson and Wanamaker have worked together professionally. Wanamaker, an Olivier Award-winning and Bafta-nominated actor, has a distinguished career spanning five decades, with notable roles in Prime Suspect, Agatha Christie’s Poirot, and Mr Selfridge, as well as numerous performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.
Context of the Bergerac Remake
The Bergerac remake is a revival of the BBC detective series that originally aired from 1981 to 1991, starring John Nettles. The new version, released by U&Drama in 2024, features Damien Molony in the lead role, with a second series currently airing. Edmondson joined the cast as a new addition, bringing his comedic and dramatic talents to the production.
Edmondson's recent credits include roles in TV shows such as 3 Body Problem and Alien: Earth, while Wanamaker continues to be celebrated for her stage and screen work. Their collaboration in Bergerac has been noted for its thoughtful approach to portraying older characters with dignity and realism.
Broader Reflections on Age and Society
In a separate interview in 2025, Edmondson reflected on generational issues, expressing concern about the challenges faced by younger people. He stated that older generations, including baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964, have "had the best of it" but "haven't shared" their wealth and opportunities. "Sometimes I think we’ve f***ed the whole thing up for them," he said, referencing his five grandchildren.
Edmondson pointed to disparities in housing costs and access to public services like the NHS, lamenting, "We’ve all got our houses, when a house cost three times your earnings. Now it’s, like, 27 times your earnings. How did we let it get like that? It’s unbelievable the f***ing mess we’ve made." These comments underscore his broader perspective on social responsibility and intergenerational equity.
The actors' decision to forgo a sex scene in Bergerac aligns with a growing trend in media to represent older individuals in nuanced and respectful ways, moving beyond stereotypes. Their choice highlights the importance of authenticity in storytelling, particularly when depicting relationships later in life.
