Lesley Sharp has officially joined the cast of the hit detective series Bergerac for its second series, taking on the pivotal role of Monica. The acclaimed actress, aged 66, steps into the character who serves as mother to Michael, portrayed by Turlough Convery, and Nicola, played by Camilla Beeput. This casting adds a new layer of depth to the already star-studded lineup of the revived show.
Lesley Sharp's Illustrious Career in Television and Film
Lesley Sharp is widely recognised for her standout performance as Detective Constable Janet Scott in the popular ITV crime drama Scott & Bailey. Her extensive television portfolio includes memorable roles such as Trudy Graham in Clocking Off, Rose Cooper in Bob & Rose, Alison Mundy in Afterlife, and Louisa Evans in Carrie's War. Further credits encompass Julie Bede in The Shadow Line, Lucy Cannonbury in Paranoid, DC Margaret Oliver in Three Girls, Rosalind in Fate: The Winx Saga, and DG Madeline Delaney in Red Eye.
On the big screen, Sharp has showcased her versatility with roles including Michelle in Rita, Sue and Bob Too, Jean in The Full Monty, Jessica Barnes in Vera Drake, Morwenna in Catherine Called Birdy, and Peggy in Pillion. Her ability to portray complex characters across genres has cemented her status as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Nicholas Gleaves: The Famous Husband with an Impressive Portfolio
Beyond her own achievements, Lesley Sharp is married to actor Nicholas Gleaves, whom she wed in 1994, and together they share two children. Gleaves, aged 57, boasts an impressive career spanning film and television, contributing to the family's fame.
His film appearances include roles in 2006's Starter for 10, 2008's Incendiary, 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger, and 2019's Spider-Man: Far From Home. On television, he has been featured in series such as Playing the Field as Rick Powell from 1998 to 2002, Duncan in The Queen's Nose in 2003, Ray Fairburn in Conviction in 2004, Tom Bedford in The Chase from 2006 to 2007, and DS Gary Tate in 2007's City Lights.
Additional notable roles include James Whitaker in Survivors, DS Andy Roper in Scott & Bailey, Roger Penhaligon MP in Bodyguard, Duncan Radfield in Coronation Street, William Wyatt in The Rising, and Allen Feraday in The Bombing of Pan Am 103. Most recently, he appeared as Sergeant Phil Mackie in After The Flood, demonstrating his ongoing presence in the industry.
Lesley Sharp on Embracing the Role of Monica in Bergerac
In discussing her involvement with Bergerac, Lesley Sharp reflected on the original series starring John Nettles, noting its unique charm from her younger years. She described the new version as distinct, emphasising its layered and psychologically complex nature. Sharp praised Damien Molony's portrayal of Bergerac as compelling, knotty, and very human, highlighting the character's ambivalent and troubled traits rather than mere charm.
Sharp expressed immediate intrigue upon reading the scripts, drawn to Monica's complexity. She remarked, "I'm always drawn to characters who aren't quite as they seem, and Monica is one of the most psychologically complicated women I've played. I'm not even sure she always knows when she's telling the truth or lying—she's a deeply strange and fascinating woman." This insight underscores her commitment to roles that challenge and captivate audiences.
Bergerac is available to stream for free on U and via U on Channel 4, offering viewers access to this renewed detective series with its enhanced narrative depth and stellar cast additions.
