Death in Paradise returns to our screens for season 14 and as ever, there's plenty of drama to keep you on your toes.

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DI Mervin Wilson is back, but how long will he remain on the team?

After learning that his mother might have been murdered, he decides to stay and find out what really happened. But when he does get to the bottom of the mystery, will he stick around?

Commissioner Selwyn Patterson also finds himself on the back foot after being told that his job is set to be dissolved.

Speaking to RadioTimes.com and other press about the staggering news, Warrington said: "He's shocked by it, it's not what he expected. It comes as a bolt from the blue.

"It means that he has to deal with a situation that he hadn't expected at all and it's going to mean a big change in his life, in his status. It's monumental.

"He has to work through a crisis, really, and he resolves it in one way or another."

Warrington echoed those comments in an interview with Radio Times magazine: "It's very distressing. His life is being turned upside down, but he has to deal with the reality, it's beyond his control."

Ginny Holder, who plays Darlene Curtis, also told RadioTimes.com that "it's monumental for all the other characters as well".

"It affects everybody equally," she added.

Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson and Don Warrington as Selwyn Patterson in Death in Paradise, looking at a file together
Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson and Don Warrington as Selwyn Patterson in Death in Paradise. BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Philippe Virapin

If Don Warrington is set to exit this season, could the show survive without him?

Tobi Bakare, who returned as Sergeant JP Hooper for the season debut, seems to think so.

"Don is an integral part of the show, but I always say this show has this very unique way of surviving," he said.

"Even though there are so many deaths on the island, the show itself always survives. It just knows how to stay. They've tapped into a formula that they can constantly work around.

"And it's exciting to see sometimes when you're backed into a corner; it's exciting to see what you come up with, to bring up something new and fresh, so I think it can definitely survive."

But Bakare did go on to say that Warrington would be "a big miss" if he was to leave.

"Don is just Don," he added. "So there'll be some coming back from him."

Death in Paradise season 14 cast standing next to a large car
Death in Paradise season 14 cast. BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Lou Denim

Alongside the main cast, an exciting fan favourite has returned for the season 14 opening episode, plus a raft of new guest stars, some of whom you might recognise from other shows.

For more information about where you've seen the cast before and who they play in Death in Paradise, read on.

Death in Paradise cast

The main cast of Death in Paradise is as follows:

  • Don Gilet as Mervin Wilson
  • Don Warrington as Selwyn Patterson
  • Shantol Jackson as Naomi Thomas
  • Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey
  • Ginny Holder as Darlene Curtis
  • Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Sebastian Rose

Don Gilet plays Mervin Wilson

Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson in Death in Paradise, putting post-it notes on a board
Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson in Death in Paradise. BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Lou Denim

Who is Mervin Wilson? The detective inspector travelled to Saint Marie to meet his mother for the first time in the 2024 Christmas special when he was roped into helping the team with an investigation. He has since learned that she died a few months ago - but will he stick around to learn more? Or jet back to his life in London?

What else has Don Gilet been in? He's best known for EastEnders, Holby City and 55 Degrees North. You might also recognise him from Shetland, Sherwood, The Stranger and The Loch.

Don Warrington plays Commissioner Selwyn Patterson

Don Warrington as Selwyn Patterson, walking while wearing his police uniform
Don Warrington as Selwyn Patterson. Red Planet Pictures/Philippe Virapin

Who is Selwyn Patterson? Commissioner Selwyn Patterson has been an integral part of Death in Paradise since the first season and oversees the running of the island's police department.

In season 12, Selwyn discovered that he has a grown-up daughter, which he found difficult to process at first. And at the beginning of season 13, his life hung in the balance after he was shot. But he made a full recovery and is now back doing what he does best: being a boss man. But for how long?

What else has Don Warrington been in? Warrington has appeared in countless productions on stage and screen. with highlights including playing Philip in Rising Damp, and appearing in Doctor Who's Rise of the Cybermen back in 2006. In 2008, he took part in Strictly Come Dancing, in which he was partnered with Lilia Kopylova.

Shantol Jackson plays Naomi Thomas

Shantol Jackson stars in Death in Paradise season 14
Shantol Jackson stars in Death in Paradise season 14. BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Philippe Virapin

Who is Naomi Thomas? Sergeant Thomas joined in season 11 and fast became an integral member of the team. Prior to her entrance, she had never been part of a murder investigation before, but quickly adapted. In the 2023 festive episode, she made a move on her former colleague Marlon after one too many cocktails, but later regretted her decision. This season, her love life is set to be explored once more.

What else has Shantol Jackson been in? Death in Paradise was something of a career breakthrough for Jackson, but she previously appeared in a small role in Idris Elba's film Yardie and had a main part in 2018 sports movie Sprinter.

Élizabeth Bourgine plays Catherine Bordey

Elizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey in Death in Paradise
Elizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey in Death in Paradise.

Who is Catherine Bordey? Catherine Bordey is the island's mayor and owns her own beachfront bar. She's also a solid advice-giver and previously jumped at any chance to set Neville up on a date. This season, she will go to bat for Selwyn after he receives some troubling news.

What else has Élizabeth Bourgine been in? Like Jobert, Élizabeth Bourgiune is French and has appeared in several shows and movies in her home country, including Private Lessons, A Heart in Winter and My Best Friend.

Ginny Holder plays Darlene Curtis

Death in Paradise 2022 Christmas Special
Darlene Curtis as Ginny Holder. BBC

Who is Darlene Curtis? We first met Darlene in season 7 when she entered the frame as Dwayne Myers's love interest. She was initially the police station's office admin, but she's now a key part of the team.

"She goes from trainee to Officer extraordinaire, which is major for her," said Holder. "She's still quite feisty. She can never lose that because it's so needed."

What else has Ginny Holder been in? Holder is best known for her role in Holby City, but has also starred in Doctors, DCI Banks, The Capture and Ragdoll.

Shaquille Ali-Yebuah plays Sebastian Rose

(L-R) Shaquille Ali-Yebuah and Don Gilet star in Death in Paradise
(L-R) Shaquille Ali-Yebuah and Don Gilet star in Death in Paradise BBC/Red Planet Pictures/Philippe Virapin

Who is Sebastian Rose? The team's newest officer. Darlene is charged with mentoring the larger than life character, but she's not sure if he's up to the job.

What else has Shaquille Ali-Yebuah been in? His credits include CBBC show Dixi, football comedy The First Team, sci-fi drama The Feed, sci-fi superhero film iBoy, and Channel 4 comedy I Hate You.

Death in Paradise season 14 guest stars

Episode 1

Tobi Bakare and Anthony J Abraham star in Death in Paradise season 14
Tobi Bakare and Anthony J Abraham star in Death in Paradise season 14. BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Philippe Virapin
  • Anthony J Abraham (Bad Education, Theodosia) as Officer Benjamin Brice - the newest member of Honoré PD.
  • Tobi Bakare as Sergeant JP Hooper - Benjamin's mentor and teacher.
  • Michelle Greenidge (Doctor Who, After Life, Code 404, Queenie, Mandy) as Paulette Brice - Benjamin's mother.
  • Mark Holden (Deep State) as Damon Clarke - Benjamin's step-father.
  • Stephen Odubola (Boiling Point, Blue Story) as Karlus Brice - Benjamin's brother.

Episode 2

Simon Lennon as Jonny Feldon in Death in Paradise
Simon Lennon as Jonny Feldon in Death in Paradise. BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Lou Denim
  • Simon Lennon (Emmerdale, Our Girl) as Jonny Feldon - he's murdered while competing to win a gameshow called Island Warrior.
  • Bhavna Limbachia (Ridley, Brassic, Coronation Street, Citizen Khan) as Chaz Simons - she's competing against Jonny in the final.
  • Adam James (Hotel Portofino, Treason, Vigil, Doctor Foster) as Rick Mayhew - the show's producer.
  • David Avery (Domina, We Are Lady Parts, Gangs of London) as Dale Buckingham - a camera operator.
  • Sofia Oxenham (Extraordinary, Poldark) as Lisa Bulmer - a runner.
  • Joy Richardson (Silent Witness, The Long Song) as Brianna Clemetson - a friend and neighbour of Mervin's mother Dorna.

Episode 3

David Mumeni, Patricia Allison and Imogen King all sat alongside next to each other, looking relaxed.
David Mumeni, Patricia Allison and Imogen King. BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Philippe Virapin
  • Georgia Maguire (6Degrees) as Susie Montagu - the founder of a natural skincare brand.
  • Patricia Allison (Sex Education) as Carrie Standish - an inventor who works for Susie with a background in big pharma.
  • Imogen King (The Bay, Suspect) as Daisy McCrae - an employee of Susie's.
  • David Mumeni (Dead Pixels, No Return) as Steve Montagu - Susie's husband.

Episode 4

Francesca Bower (SIOBHAN REDMOND) sat in a beachside bar
Francesca Bower (SIOBHAN REDMOND). Red Planet Pictures/Philippe Virapin
  • Ansu Kabia (Miss Scarlet and The Duke) as Patrick Ambrose - the owner of a rum distillery. He dies after being poisoned during a rum tasting
  • Madeline Appiah (In the Long Run) as Cora Ambrose - Patrick's sister.
  • Michelle Asante (Top Boy) as Janelle Dulice - she's present at the time of the tasting.
  • Tienne Simon (Strike) as Antony Dulice - Janelle's son.
  • Siobhan Redmond (Holby City, Between the Lines) as Francesca Bower - she works at the distillery.

Death in Paradise former cast members

Ben Miller played Richard Poole

Ben Miller in Death in Paradise

Who is Richard Poole? The first lead detective to feature on Death in Paradise, Richard Poole was a very accomplished detective – who was shockingly murdered in the first episode of season 3.

What else has Ben Miller been in? Miller is well known as one half of the comedy double act Armstrong and Miller alongside Alexander Armstrong, while other major titles include Professor T, Bridgerton, Suspect and Paddington.

Kris Marshall played Humphrey Goodman

Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman in Death in Paradise.
BBC

Who is Humphrey Goodman? Poole's replacement on Saint Marie, Humphrey Goodman arrived on the island in season 3 and became chief inspector. He enjoyed life in Saint Marie and was known for solving mysteries very quickly. He left to start a new chapter with his girlfriend Martha and they now have their own spin-off, Beyond Paradise.

What else has Kris Marshall been in? Marshall is best known for My Family, Love, Actually and Sanditon.

Ardal O'Hanlon played Jack Mooney

Ardal O'Hanlon as DI Jack Mooney in Death in Paradise

Who is Jack Mooney? The third lead detective in the show's run, Mooney took over from Goodman and was a friendly and unassuming inspector. He was planning to travel the world with his love interest Anna, hut instead headed back to London to spend more time with his daughter. Jack recently popped up in Australian Death in Paradise spin-off Return to Paradise.

What else has Ardal O'Hanlon been in? O'Hanlon's credits include Father Ted, My Hero, Extraordinary, The Woman in the Wall and Derry Girls, in addition to his successful stand-up career.

Ralf Little played Neville Parker

DI Neville Parker boards a plane in a scene from Death in Paradise
Ralf Little in Death in Paradise BBC/Red Planet

Who is Neville Parker? Neville Parker followed on from Jack Mooney as the show's lead detective.

In season 11, sparks were flying between Neville and holidaymaker Sophie, but their love story crashed and burned when it emerged that she was on a mission to destroy him as revenge for the death of her sister – who Neville had arrested many years ago. Following that ordeal, he looked set to leave, but Neville stayed until the end of season 13, before sailing off into the sunset with Florence Cassell.

What else has Ralf Little been in? Before joining the cast of Death in Paradise back in 2020, Little was best known for his roles on sitcoms The Royle Family and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.

Joséphine Jobert plays Florence Cassell

Florence sat at a table outside, deep in thought
Joséphine Jobert as Florence Cassell in death in Paradise. BBC

Who is Florence Cassell? Florence worked alongside Neville in the Saint Marie police force as a detective sergeant and had something of a will-they / won't-they romance with the detective. But she later told him that she only saw him as a friend. Florence then left Saint Marie due to being in danger after exposing a major big-time criminal, but she popped up in season 13 after exiting witness protection and appeared to have developed feelings for Neville. After some more will-they / won't-they action, the pair decided to go travelling together.

What else has Joséphine Jobert been in? Alongside Death in Paradise, she has appeared on a number of TV shows in her homeland France including Cut, Summer Crush and Saint-Ex, nos années pension.

Tahj Miles played Marlon Pryce

Marlon standing having a drink at a party wearing a brown suit
Tahj Miles plays Marlon Pryce. Red Planet Pictures/Denis Guyenon

Who is Marlon Pryce? Marlon was first seen on Death in Paradise as a petty criminal who spent his days scamming tourists, before becoming an officer with the local police force. In season 13, his sister received a scholarship to a school in Jamaica and with their mum unable to accompany her, he volunteered to go instead.

What else has Tahj Miles been in? Miles recently starred in Mr Loverman. He previously appeared as part of the main cast on Class Dismissed, and also had a role in Steve McQueen's Mangrove – part of the Small Axe series of films on BBC One.

Sara Martins played Camille Bordey

Sara Martins plays DS Camille Bordey in Death in Paradise

Who is Camille Bordey? A Detective Sergeant who worked under both Richard Poole and Humphrey Goodman, Camille is the daughter of Catherine. She was departed the island after being assigned an undercover job in Paris.

What else has Sara Martins been in? Martins has appeared in a number of series both in the UK and in France including Father Brown, Grand Hôteland, The Coroner and Those About to Die.

Danny John-Jules played Dwayne Myers

Danny John-Jules as Dwayne Myers and Elizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey, standing next to one another smiling with the welcome to Saint Marie board and a Christmas tree behind them
Danny John-Jules as Dwayne Myers and Elizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey. Red Planet Pictures/Philippe Virapin

Who is Dwayne Myers? Dwayne was a long-serving police officer at Honoré Police Station, appearing in 57 episodes of the show – and knew the island of Saint Marie better than anyone. He previously left to spend time with his estranged father in London, who was ill. He did briefly return in the 2021 Christmas special, before exiting once again. But he then returned and remained on the show until the 2024 festive episode, before leaving once more to spend quality time with his old man.

What else has Danny John-Jules been in? John-Jules is best known for Red Dwarf, while other credits include a role on CBBC children's spy drama MI High and CBeebies series The Story Makers.

Tobi Bakare played JP Hooper

Tobi Bakare plays JP Hooper in Death in Paradise
BBC

Who is JP Hooper? A sergeant who is close friends with Dwayne Myers, JP had always dreamed of being a diligent and hard working police officer. He left to take on a new job, but returned briefly in season 13, and again at the beginning of season 14 for a particularly troubling case.

What else has Tobi Bakare been in? Bakare played Jamal in the first two Kingsman films and has also had regular roles on The Tunnel and The Smoke.

Gary Carr played Fidel Best

Gary Carr as Fidel Best
BBC

Who is Fidel Best? Originally an officer – before being promoted to Sergeant, Fidel was a young investigator who was known for his organisational abilities and his eagerness to impress. He went on to work in St Lucia.

What else has Gary Carr been in? Since leaving Death in Paradise in 2014, Carr has had major roles in a number of series including The Deuce, Genius and Trigonometry as well as appearing in four episodes of Downton Abbey and films including Bolden and 21 Bridges.

Aude Legastelois Bidé played Madeleine Dumas

Aude Legastelois plays Madeleine Dumas in Death in Paradise

Who is Madeleine Dumas? A Detective Sergeant who worked alongside Jack Mooney, arrived in Saint Marie after living in Paris for most of her life. She moved back to Paris after being offered a promotion.

What else has Aude Legastelois Bidé been in? Legastelois Bidé has also appeared in episodes of Nox and The Hookup Plan.

Shyko Amos played Ruby Patterson

Shyko Amos plays Ruby Patterson in Death in Paradise

Who is Ruby Patterson? An officer who replaced Dwayne Myers on the Honoré Police Station team, Ruby was just starting her career in the police – and is the niece of Commissioner Selwyn Patterson. After a trip to Paris, she decided to remain there permanently.

What else has Shyko Amos been in? Besides Death in Paradise, Amos's most high-profile appearance to date was in an episode of A Very English Scandal in 2018.

Read more:

Death in Paradise returns to BBC One on Friday 31st January 2025. Stream on BBC iPlayer.

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Authors

Patrick Cremona, RadioTimes.com's senior film writer looking at the camera and smiling
Patrick CremonaSenior Film Writer

Patrick Cremona is the Senior Film Writer at Radio Times, and looks after all the latest film releases both in cinemas and on streaming. He has been with the website since October 2019, and in that time has interviewed a host of big name stars and reviewed a diverse range of movies.

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