The BBC has handed ‘Death in Paradise‘ a major vote of confidence, recommissioning the long-running crime drama for another two series and two Christmas specials, with filming now underway in Guadeloupe.
That means fans can look forward to plenty more murder mysteries, tropical backdrops and police station chaos on Saint Marie, as the show heads towards its 16th season and beyond. For a series that has become one of the BBC’s most reliable hits, it is not exactly a shocking decision, but it is certainly a very welcome one.
The recommission also confirms the return of the current main cast, including Don Gilet (EastEnders, Shetland) as DI Mervin Wilson, Don Warrington (Rising Damp, Hamlet) as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, Shantol Jackson (Yardie, Sprinter) as DS Naomi Thomas, Shaquille Ali-Yebuah (Gassed Up, Stephen) as Officer Sebastian Rose, Catherine Garton (The Witcher: Blood Origin, Cheaters) as Sergeant Mattie Fletcher, and Élizabeth Bourgine (Private Lessons, My Best Friend) as Catherine Bordey.
The BBC says more guest cast and case details will be announced later, but the really intriguing tease comes from executive producer Tim Key, who hints there is already something big planned to launch the next run.
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, says: “Death in Paradise is a global phenomenon and we are incredibly proud to have it on the BBC, where it goes from strength to strength. It’s with great pleasure that we share the news that we’ll be returning to Saint Marie for two more sun-soaked series and Christmas specials.”
Tim Key, Executive Producer, Red Planet Pictures commented: “We remain incredibly proud of the show and the team that makes it, and delighted that the audience continue to love it as much as we do. The response to our latest series has been wonderful and we can’t wait to get started again – we’ve got something very special lined up to kick off our 16th season, with a big surprise setting it up in our Christmas special. Watch this space…”
After 15 years on screen, ‘Death in Paradise’ remains one of those rare shows that feels both familiar and fresh. Its mix of light comedy, cosy island atmosphere and neatly constructed murder mysteries has helped it become not just a UK favourite, but a global success story too. That popularity has also helped spin off a wider franchise, with ‘Beyond Paradise’ and ‘Return to Paradise’ expanding the world well beyond Saint Marie.
There is still no word yet on exact air dates for the upcoming episodes, but with filming now rolling, viewers can at least relax knowing there is plenty more ‘Death in Paradise’ on the way.
‘Death in Paradise‘ does not yet have a premiere date but will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, usually in January. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date. Visit Never Miss.
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