Fans of Beyond Paradise are speculating that DI Humphrey Goodman could make a return to Saint Marie, following confirmation that Don Gilet will reprise his role as DI Mervin Wilson in Death in Paradise. Kris Marshall is currently filming the Cornwall-based spin-off, but viewers have been sharing theories about a possible crossover that would take his character back to the Caribbean island.
Filming in Cornwall and fan theories
Kris Marshall is reprising his role in the spin-off, with photographs of the actor filming in Looe appearing online. He will be reunited with his on-screen wife Martha, played by Sally Bretton. The crossover speculation follows the BBC's announcement that Don Gilet will return as DI Mervin Wilson in Death in Paradise.
A return to Saint Marie for Humphrey remains a fan theory rather than a confirmed storyline. After the latest series of Death in Paradise, which featured Mervin looking after his niece, viewers took to social media to suggest how Humphrey might make a comeback, reports the Express. One viewer posted: "Big surprise?? Old detective returns because Mervin is looking after his niece?"
Viewer reactions and returning cast
"Humphrey is on his way back," another speculated, while someone else suggested a honeymoon could bring him back to the island: "DI Humphrey is finally going on his honeymoon with Martha. And during that honeymoon in Saint Marie, a British something is happening, and his help is needed." Other viewers welcomed Don's return. One wrote: "Don is the best detective so far. Great work." Another added: "Oh, good. I'm glad Mervin is coming back."
Don will be joined by returning cast members Don Warrington (Commissioner Selwyn Patterson), Shantol Jackson (DS Naomi Thomas), Shaquille Ali-Yebuah (Officer Sebastian Rose), Catherine Garton (Sergeant Mattie Fletcher), and Élizabeth Bourgine (Catherine Bordey).
Future of Death in Paradise
Earlier this year, the BBC announced that Death in Paradise had been recommissioned for two more series and two Christmas specials. Production is already underway on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: "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, added: "We remain incredibly proud of the show and the team that makes it, and delighted that the audience continues 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.." Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
