Death in Paradise star Tahj Miles has candidly shared his initial apprehension about meeting his esteemed co-star, Don Warrington, on the set of the popular BBC drama. Miles, who plays police officer Marlon Pryce, joined the show in 2020, nearly a decade after Warrington began his role as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson.
From Nervousness to Admiration
In a recent interview, the 24-year-old actor revealed that he felt "almost scared" to encounter Warrington at first. "I remember when I first joined the show, I was like, 'What's he going to be like?'" Miles confessed. However, his fears quickly dissipated upon meeting the veteran actor. "He's amazing - he's everything you think Don Warrington would be like," he said, adding that Warrington turned out to be "really, really cool."
A Supportive Presence on Set
Miles described how Warrington balances professionalism with approachability. Off-camera, they would chat about "football and random stuff," creating a relaxed atmosphere. Yet, when filming begins, Warrington shifts into a focused and serious mode. "When it comes to shooting scenes, he'll be all serious and focused," Miles noted.
He emphasized that Warrington's demeanor helps alleviate pressure for fellow cast members. "You don't have to be scared being around Don Warrington on set and think, 'I don't want to mess up in front of him,' because he'll come and have a chat," Miles explained.
Learning from an Acting Encyclopaedia
Beyond his friendly nature, Warrington has served as a valuable mentor to Miles. "He's like an encyclopaedia of acting," Miles remarked. "Just watching him, you'll always pick up on something new that could change your entire career and how you work. It's brilliant." This insight has been particularly impactful for Miles as he navigates his role on the long-running series.
Behind the Scenes of the New Series
These revelations come as Death in Paradise continues its latest series, which sees DI Mervin Wilson, played by Don Gilet, and his team investigating mysterious deaths on the fictional island of Saint Marie. The show also marks the return of Warrington's character, Selwyn Patterson, who sparked concern among viewers last year with a storyline that suggested his departure.
In the plot, Commissioner Patterson chose to leave Saint Marie after losing his position, opting to visit his daughter in the UK instead of accepting reinstatement. Many fans feared this meant a permanent exit, but the character reappeared in the Christmas special and remains part of the cast.
Warrington's Perspective on the Storyline
Discussing the audience's reaction, Warrington told The i Newspaper that the temporary departure was purely narrative-driven. "That was just the storyline. The producers thought it would be interesting to have Selwyn reach some kind of crisis and then, after dealing with it, return," he said. He expressed gratitude for the strong connection viewers have with his character, noting, "It was certainly very nice to know my character had penetrated people's consciousness to that extent."
Death in Paradise airs regularly on BBC One, continuing to captivate audiences with its blend of crime-solving and tropical settings. Miles' reflections highlight the collaborative and supportive environment behind the scenes, contributing to the show's enduring success.
