Death in Paradise season 14: Release date speculation, cast and latest news

"It is a programme that goes from strength to strength, and I could not be happier that it will return."

Read on for everything you need to know about Death in Paradise season 14.

Death in Paradise 14 release date speculation: When could it air?

Expect another Christmas special followed by the new season in early 2025.

The show typically airs in January, although season 13 landed on screens in early February, so it remains to be seen exactly when season 14 will make its debut.

Death in Paradise 14 cast news: Who's returning?

In huge news, we've seen the last of Ralf Little's DI Neville Parker, who waved goodbye to Saint Marie at the end of season 13 with Joséphine Jobert's Detective Sergeant Florence Cassell in tow.

"My time on Saint Marie has come to an end – what an end!" said the actor in a statement. "New adventures await Neville, and he got to sail away into the sunset with his best friend. Who knows what happens for them next!

"I want to say an enormous thank you to everyone who watched and supported the show when I arrived four and a half years ago. Coming into a series beloved by millions was a huge responsibility and I had no idea whether viewers would take to my interpretation of Neville's character, and indeed to me.

"It was quite a relief that the response has been overwhelming, and it's been an absolute privilege and a pleasure to bring Neville Parker to all of you and to share his quite profound journey with you.

"I can't thank you all enough for the support over the last four and a half years. It's been one of the most magical and profound experiences of my entire life. The team that makes Death in Paradise - the producers, writers, directors, crew, guest cast and my magnificent co-stars - they know what they're doing, and the future is in good hands.

"I can’t wait to see what happens next. It’s been the ride of a lifetime."

And in equally big news, it's former EastEnders star Don Gilet who has replaced him.

Gilet, who has also had roles in series Shetland and The Stranger, and film The Beekeeper, is playing Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson, from London, who isn't thrilled with his new surroundings.

Gilet, who will make his debut in this year's Christmas special, said in a statement: "Being offered the new lead role in Death in Paradise feels like a deeply loved and incredibly precious jewel has been placed in my hands.

"This is a big show with a big heart, and the love continually grows for it. It is my intention to never lose sight of that and to remain grateful, humbled and dedicated.

"Even during those testing times when every sinew is screaming at me to run off the set and dive into the sea, swimming pool or an ice-cold beer – whichever happens to be closer at the time!"

The rest of the cast is as follows:

• Don Warrington as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson
• Shantol Jackson as Sergeant Naomi Thomas
• Ginny Holder as Officer Darlene Curtis
• Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey
• Danny John-Jules as Officer Dwayne Myers

And you can also expect a new batch of guest stars, too, as the team tackle a raft of new cases each week.

All 13 seasons of Death in Paradise are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.

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