The first episode of Death in Paradise's new season is set to see the Chief Commissioner in Jamaica deal some bad news to the Saint Marie police force – there will be funding cut backs, and Commissioner Selwyn Patterson's (Don Warrington) job could be at risk.
Advertisement
Speaking with the latest issue of Radio Times magazine, Warrington responded to this storyline, explaining of his character: "It’s very distressing. His life is being turned upside down, but he has to deal with the reality, it’s beyond his control."
When it was suggested to Warrington that fans couldn't imagine the show without the Commissioner, he responded: "Well, who knows? Anything can happen in this life."
Warrington also said he couldn't answer whether he was excited about the filming the show's 15th season – leaving us firmly in the dark about Selwyn's future.
Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson and Don Warrington as Selwyn Patterson in Death in Paradise. BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Philippe Virapin
This isn't the first time that a season of Death in Paradise has started off with bad news for the Commissioner – in fact, last year's season began with him being shot, and fighting for his life.
Warrington is one of only two remaining cast members to have been with the show since its beginning, along with Catherine Bordey star Elizabeth Bourgine.
This season of the show will be the first led by Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson, after his character debuted at Christmas, with Shantol Jackson and Ginny Holder also returning to the main cast.
They will be joined in at least one episode by Tobi Bakare, reprising his role as Sergeant JP Hooper in a guest appearance, after he was last seen in one episode of season 13.
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
