The Death in Paradise cast has seen many talented actors pass through its ranks since 2011. The hit BBC crime drama, set on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie, has become a global phenomenon. Therefore, its line-up of detectives and officers has evolved significantly over 15 series.
With the show recently recommissioned for two more series and two Christmas specials, fans can look forward to more sun-soaked mysteries. As a result, the current cast will continue solving murders on the beautiful island of Guadeloupe.
Current Main Cast of Death in Paradise
The BBC has confirmed the return of the main cast for the upcoming series. Filming has already begun on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. Here are the key actors bringing Saint Marie’s police force to life.
Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson
Don Gilet joined the Death in Paradise cast in the 2024 Christmas special as the show’s latest detective. He plays DI Mervin Wilson, a London detective who arrives on Saint Marie reluctantly. His character discovers that his estranged mother has died on the island, which complicates his decision to leave.
Gilet is best known for his role as villainous Lucas Johnson in EastEnders. He has also starred in Sherwood and Holby City. He previously appeared in Death in Paradise as a guest star in series four, playing a different character.
Don Warrington as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson
Don Warrington is the longest-serving member of the Death in Paradise cast. He has played Commissioner Selwyn Patterson since the very first episode in 2011. His character is the dignified and often exasperated head of the Saint Marie police force.
Warrington’s portrayal of the Commissioner has been a constant throughout the show’s many detective changes. He provides continuity and stability, often offering wisdom to the island’s revolving door of British detectives.
Shantol Jackson as DS Naomi Thomas
Shantol Jackson joined the Death in Paradise cast as DS Naomi Thomas in series 12. Her character is a sharp and capable officer who often serves as the right hand to the lead detective. She has quickly become a fan favourite.
Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Officer Sebastian Rose
Shaquille Ali-Yebuah plays Officer Sebastian Rose, a young and enthusiastic member of the police team. His character brings energy and a fresh perspective to the station.
Catherine Garton as Sergeant Mattie Fletcher
Catherine Garton portrays Sergeant Mattie Fletcher, a no-nonsense officer who gets the job done. Her character has added a new dynamic to the team since her introduction.
Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey
Élizabeth Bourgine has been a beloved member of the Death in Paradise cast since series one. She plays Catherine Bordey, the owner of the local bar and a close friend of the police team. Her character often provides valuable local knowledge to help solve cases.
Past Lead Detectives of Saint Marie
The Death in Paradise cast has seen several lead detectives come and go. Each actor has brought their unique style to the role. Here are the actors who have played the island’s resident DI.
Ben Miller as DI Richard Poole (2011-2014)
Ben Miller was the first detective to join the Death in Paradise cast. He played the socially awkward but brilliant DI Richard Poole. His character famously hated the island’s heat and preferred a good cup of English tea. He was tragically killed off in the first episode of series three.
Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman (2014-2017)
Kris Marshall took over as DI Humphrey Goodman in series three. His character was clumsy, kind-hearted and brilliant at solving puzzles. He eventually left Saint Marie to return to London, later starring in his own spin-off series, Beyond Paradise.
Ardal O’Hanlon as DI Jack Mooney (2017-2020)
Irish actor Ardal O’Hanlon played DI Jack Mooney. His character arrived on the island with his daughter after the death of his wife. He brought a warm, fatherly presence to the team. He departed the show in series nine.
Ralf Little as DI Neville Parker (2020-2024)
Ralf Little holds the record as the longest-serving detective in Death in Paradise history. He played DI Neville Parker, a detective with severe allergies who struggled to adapt to island life. His character eventually left the island in a romantic storyline, sailing away with his love interest, Florence (Josephine Jobert).
Since leaving the show, Little has moved into stage work. He is currently starring in the nationwide tour of The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, playing disillusioned British intelligence officer Alec Leamas.
The Future of Death in Paradise
The BBC has confirmed that Death in Paradise will return for two more series and two Christmas specials. This means the show will run through to at least series 17. Filming has already begun on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe.
Lindsay Salt, director of BBC drama, said: “Death in Paradise is a global phenomenon and we are incredibly proud to have it on the BBC. It’s with great pleasure that we share the news that we’ll be returning to Saint Marie for two more sun-soaked series and Christmas specials.”
Tim Key, executive producer for Red Planet Pictures, added that they have “something very special lined up to kick off its 16th season.”
Full Cast List for Series 14
Here is the complete main cast for the most recent series of Death in Paradise:
- DI Mervin Wilson – Don Gilet
- Commissioner Selwyn Patterson – Don Warrington
- DS Naomi Thomas – Shantol Jackson
- Officer Darlene Curtis – Ginny Holder
- Catherine Bordey – Élizabeth Bourgine
- Officer Benjamin Brice – Anthony J. Abraham
- Sgt JP Hooper – Tobi Bakare
- Paulette Brice – Michelle Greenidge
- Officer Sebastian Rose – Shaquille Ali-Yebuah
- Sergeant Mattie Fletcher – Catherine Garton
Beyond Paradise: The Spin-Off
Fans of Kris Marshall’s DI Humphrey Goodman can catch him in the spin-off series Beyond Paradise. The show follows Humphrey as he returns to the UK and takes up a post in the fictional town of Shipton Abbott in Devon. The series has been a ratings success and has been renewed for future series.
Conclusion
The Death in Paradise cast has changed many times over the years, but the show’s appeal remains constant. With Don Gilet now leading the team as DI Mervin Wilson, and fan favourites like Don Warrington and Élizabeth Bourgine still on board, the future looks bright. Two more series and Christmas specials are on the way, so fans have plenty to look forward to.
FAQs
Who is the new detective in Death in Paradise?
Don Gilet plays DI Mervin Wilson. He joined the show in the 2024 Christmas special.
Is Ralf Little coming back to Death in Paradise?
Ralf Little left the show in 2024. There are no current plans for his return. He is now starring in a stage tour of The Spy Who Came in from the Cold.
Who is the longest-serving actor in Death in Paradise?
Don Warrington, who plays Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, has been with the show since the first episode in 2011.
Will Death in Paradise continue?
Yes, the BBC has renewed the show for two more series and two Christmas specials. Filming has begun on the new episodes.
Who plays Catherine in Death in Paradise?
Élizabeth Bourgine plays Catherine Bordey, the owner of the local bar. She has been a main cast member since series one.
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