BBC’s Death in Paradise has been moved from its usual slot and fans are not happy
Fans of Death in Paradise expressed their frustration over the weekend after the BBC announced the popular crime drama would be bumped from its scheduled slot, with football coverage taking priority. The new season of the Caribbean crime drama kicked off on January 30, and ever since there has been a new episode every Friday.
The show has announced that this weekend there will be a major schedule change for the series, as it’s been bumped to make way for the FA Cup.
A statement on the show’s Instagram account informed followers: “Quick heads up: due to football, this week’s #DeathInParadise will be on BBC iPlayer this Friday, but it won’t be on BBC One until Monday night!”
The accompanying graphic confirmed that the third instalment of the current series would now broadcast on BBC One on Monday, February 16 at 9pm, whilst becoming available on iPlayer from 8.45pm on Friday, February 13. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
Viewers were far from pleased with the schedule shake-up, questioning why the beloved programme should be sidelined for sport.
One disappointed fan commented: “Not fair to move DiP for the football – Mervin can’t watch football as he wasn’t allowed to install a satellite dish outside the shack!”.
Another protested: “No! Why can’t the football be moved?”
A third queried: “Does that mean we will get two episodes that week?”
However, not all responses were negative, with some praising the current series.
One viewer remarked: “Just watched episode two, really enjoyed it. The team are pulling together nicely.”
Another commented: “It is very good,” whilst someone else declared: “Loving the new series.”
The 15th series launched with fresh episodes and exciting guest stars. The series continues on a weekly basis, with DI Mervin Wilson tackling fresh perplexing murder cases whilst navigating his complicated relationship with his estranged half-brother, Solomon, and integrating new team member Sergeant Mattie Fletcher.
However, the conclusion of series 14 left viewers worried about the fate of one particular character who seemed to be departing the programme.
Don Warrington, widely recognised for his portrayal of Commissioner Selwyn Patterson in the BBC detective drama since its launch in 2011, has now addressed speculation surrounding his future on the show.
In an exclusive conversation with Express.co.uk at the TV Choice Awards in London, the 74 year old actor was asked about his plans for remaining with Death in Paradise. He responded: “Well, that is the question, who can answer? Who really knows? Life is just always a surprise. I’ll just have to keep you guessing.”
Yet he became slightly more forthcoming, revealing that whilst the programme remains on air, he intends to continue in his role: “As long as the show is going, then I am happy to keep going.”
You can watch Death in Paradise on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.