Death in Paradise season 15 returns to BBC this week but when does it start and who is in the new cast line-up?
Death in Paradise is set to return for its 15th season, bringing viewers back to the sun-soaked island of Saint Marie where DI Mervin Wilson, portrayed by Don Gilet, and his team tackle a series of perplexing cases. The cast has seen some significant changes, with Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, played by Don Warrington, making a comeback after a hiatus, and newcomer Sergeant Mattie Fletcher, brought to life by Catherine Garton, stepping in following the departure of Ginny Holder’s character, Darlene Curtis.
Elizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey, Shantol Jackson as Sergeant Naomi Thomas, and Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Officer Sebastian Rose are also confirmed to be returning for the 15th season.
The synopsis for the upcoming series reads: “As DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) continues to adjust to life in Saint Marie, he and the police team must face a myriad of baffling cases. Whilst attempting to connect with his recently discovered half-brother Solomon (Daniel Ward), Mervin’s newfound familial happiness soon turns to frustration as he discovers the pair are not quite as similar as he hoped they might be.
“Returning Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) confronts the impact of his recent period of absence, and after some tough love from old friend Catherine Bordey (Elizabeth Bourgine), he’s determined to win back the trust of the island. Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson) and Officer Sebastian Rose (Shaquille Ali-Yebuah) help new recruit Sergeant Mattie Fletcher (Catherine Garton) settle into the fold, which might be easier said than done as shadows from her past begin to reveal themselves.” Here’s everything you need to know.
When does Death in Paradise start?
The 15th season of the popular series is set to premiere on Friday, January 30 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with viewers invited to tune in from 9pm for a virtual trip to Saint Marie , reports the Express.
Death Paradise cast list
Catherine Garton, recognised for her roles in The Gray House and The War Between the Land and the Sea, has been added to the cast as Sergeant Mattie Fletcher. This casting change follows the departure of Ginny Holder, who portrayed Darlene Curtis on the show for seven years.
Describing her character as “tenacious,” Catherine shared: “She’s really fun to play. She’s sassy, but she’s like your big sister who will tell you what’s what, but you can also come to her if you need to.
“You can have a laugh with her. She’s very passionate about things, about her work and about the people that she grows to love, especially in the team. She’s also very determined, almost too determined sometimes..”
Season 15 will see the return of Don Warrington, reprising his role as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson following his departure in season 14. Daniel Ward, known for his roles in Mood and Everything Now, is back as Solomon, Mervin’s recently discovered half-brother.
Don Gilet also makes a comeback as DI Mervin Wilson, with Elizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey, Shantol Jackson as Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas, and Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Officer Sebastian Rose. The series will also feature a host of guest stars, including Happy Valley’s Siobhan Finneran, EastEnders‘ original Vicki Fowler star Scarlett Alice Johnson, Spooks’ Hermione Norris, Gavin & Stacey’s Steffan Rhodri, and Ghosts’ Ben Willbond.
Other guest appearances include Sarah Hadland from Horrible Histories, Gary Wilmot from Midsomer Murders, Tim McMullan from Shakespeare in Love, Julian Rhind-Tutt from Green Wing, Ace Bhatti from Malpractice, Louis Davison from Vikings: Valhalla, Sean Delaney from Killing Eve, Lizzie Davidson from Such Brave Girls, Kojo Kamara from The Outlaws, Layo-Christina Akinlude from The Stolen Girl, Sandra James-Young from Wild Cherry, Phoebe Sparrow and Antonia Bernath both from Downton Abbey, and Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge from Rematch.
How many episodes of Death in Paradise are there?
The 15th season comprises eight episodes, with new instalments released every Friday night.
Death in Paradise season 15 premieres at 9pm on Friday, January 30 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
