Death in Paradise Christmas special cast - meet the characters
Who's in the cast of the Death in Paradise festive special?
Following the success of its first Christmas special last year, a second Death in Paradise festive episode arrives on our screens tonight (26th December) ahead of season 13, which arrives in 2024.
DI Neville Parker and his team are once again investigating a murder on the island, with all of the series regulars returning alongside a raft of new guest stars.
Here's everything you need to know about the Death in Paradise Christmas special cast.
Death in Paradise Christmas special main cast
- Ralf Little as DI Neville Parker
- Don Warrington as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson
- Shantol Jackson as DS Naomi Thomas
- Tahj Miles as Officer Marlon Pryce
- Élizabeth Bourgine as Mayor Catherine Bordey
- Ginny Holder as Darlene Curtis
Death in Paradise Christmas special guest cast
- Geoff Bell as Gerry Stableforth
- Patsy Kensit as Bella Stableforth
- Amelia Clarkson as Mariana Stableforth
- Freddy Carter as Benjamin Stableforth
- Bronagh Waugh as Debbie Clumson
- Youssef Kerkour as Dave Chadwick
- Leila Khan as Riley Biggs
- Doon Mackichan as Melanie Parker
For more information about the characters and where you've seen the cast before, read on...
Ralf Little plays DI Neville Parker
Who is DI Neville Parker? Neville Parker is Saint Marie's resident detective inspector, following on from Richard Poole (Ben Miller), Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) and Jack Mooney (Ardal O'Hanlon). Last season, his confidence was knocked substantially when he was tricked by former love interest Sophie Chambers, so much so that he was considering leaving the island. But he's staying put, for the time being at least.
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What else has Ralf Little been in? Ralf Little's CV includes plenty of screen favourites, including 24 Hour Party People, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and The Royle Family.
Don Warrington plays Commissioner Selwyn Patterson
Who is Commissioner Selwyn Patterson? Selwyn Patterson, who has been an integral part of Death in Paradise from day one, oversees the running of the island's police department with his cool, calm and collected approach – although Neville has a habit of ruffling his feathers.
What else has Don Warrington been in? Don Warrington is an MBE who has appeared in countless productions, both on the stage and the screen. One of his most prominent roles is that of Philip in Rising Damp, and he also appeared 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. Warrington left the competition in week five.
Shantol Jackson plays DS Naomi Thomas
Who is Naomi Thomas? Naomi arrived in season 11 to replace DS Florence Cassell. She stepped up from an officer to Detective Sergeant and has breezed her way ever since.
What else has Shantol Jackson been in? Helmed as one of Jamaica's rising actors, Jackson has featured in a variety of stage, film and TV projects both in Jamaica and internationally. She has starred in Idris Elba's Yardie, Sprinter and Sugar.
Tahj Miles plays Officer Marlon Pryce
Who is Marlon Pryce? Marlon Pryce's Death in Paradise journey has been an eventful one. When he first arrived in season 10, he was a petty criminal who spent his days scamming tourists, but he's now turned his life around and is a valued member of the local force. Last season, he set his sights on a promotion, but wasn't ready to take that next step.
What else has Tahj Miles been in? The most notable title on Tahj Miles's CV is Mangrove, the first film in Steve McQueen's anthology series Small Axe, which centres on London's West Indian community during the 1960s, '70s and '80s.
Élizabeth Bourgine plays Mayor Catherine Bordey
Who is Catherine Bordey? Catherine Bordey is the island's mayor and she also owns her own beachfront bar. She is always on hand to pour a drink and offer her punters some first-rate advice.
What else has Élizabeth Bourgine been in? Bourgiune is French and has appeared in several shows and movies native to her home country, such as Private Lessons (Cours privé), A Heart in Winter (Un cœur en hiver), and My Best Friend (Mon meilleur ami).
Ginny Holder plays Darlene Curtis
Who is Darlene Curtis? Darlene first appeared in season 7 as a love interest for fan-favourite officer Dwayne Myers (Danny John-Jules). It was later hinted that a romance could possibly develop between Darlene and Selwyn. She then became a police recruit in season 11 and has since become an invaluable member of the team
What else has Ginny Holder been in? Holder is best known for her role in Holby City, but has also appeared in BBC thriller The Capture.
Guest stars
Geoff Bell plays Gerry Stableforth
Who is Gerry Stableforth? An entrepreneur who is found dead in a ravine.
Where have I seen Geoff Bell before? His CV includes RocknRolla, Channel 4 comedy The Curse, Prime Video thriller Absentia, Girl with a Pearl Earring and more.
Patsy Kensit plays Bella Stableforth
Who is Bella Stableforth? Gerry's glamorous wife. They love one another but can also clash on occasion.
Where have I seen Patsy Kensit before? On the small screen, she's best known for Emmerdale, EastEnders and Holby City. She's also appeared in a number of films including Lethal Weapon 2, Twenty-One, Hanover Street and Absolute Beginners, among others.
Amelia Clarkson plays Mariana Stableforth
Who is Amelia? Bella and Gerry's daughter. She's not long out of art college and is being bankrolled by her father.
Where have I seen Amelia Clarkson before? You might have watched her in historical drama The Last Kingdom, BBC horror drama Red Rose or period drama Poldark.
Freddy Carter plays Benjamin Stableforth
Who is Benjamin Stableforth? Bella and Gerry's son, who is also involved in his father's business.
Where have I seen Freddy Carter before? He's best known for Netflix's Shadow and Bone.
Bronagh Waugh plays Debbie Clumson
Who is Debbie Clumson? A digital marketing guru working for Gerry. After she finds his body, she vanishes.
Where have I seen Bronagh Waugh before? She's appeared in Ripley starring Adrian Dunbar, Hollyoaks, Des starring David Tennant, crime drama Viewpoint and Unforgotten season 3, among others.
Youssef Kerkour plays Dave
Who is Dave? Debbie's fiancé. Initially, he stays in the UK while she travels to the Caribbean, but when news of her disappearance reaches home, he heads out there to investigate.
Where have I seen Youssef Kerkour before? You might know him from Netflix's Stay Close and Channel 4 comedy Home.
Leila Khan plays Riley
Who is Riley? Gerry's confidant, loquacious niece.
Where have I seen Leila Khan before? She's best know for playing Sahar in Netflix's Heartstopper.
Doon Mackichan plays Melanie
Who is Melanie? Neville's "larger-than-life" mum who is visiting her son for Christmas. Melanie does her best to cheer him up after last season's heartbreak.
Where have I seen Doon Mackichan before? She's best known for comedies Two Doors Down, Smack the Pony, Plebs and Toast of London, among others.
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Death in Paradise's 2023 Christmas special will air on Boxing Day at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on.
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