The BBC has confirmed Don Gilet will reprise his role as DI Mervin Wilson in Death in Paradise, with filming underway for the new series. Kris Marshall is also set to return as DI Humphrey Goodman in the Cornwall-based spin-off Beyond Paradise, prompting fans to predict a crossover between the two shows.
Cast returns for new series
Joining Don Gilet on the sun-drenched shores of Saint Marie will be the much-loved cast, including 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).
Kris Marshall is currently filming Beyond Paradise in Looe, Cornwall, with pictures of the actor on set posted online. He will be joined by his on-screen wife, played by Sally Bretton.
Fans predict Humphrey Goodman crossover
Following the latest series of Death in Paradise, which saw DI Mervin Wilson caring for his niece, fans have taken to social media to share their theories about Humphrey's return to Saint Marie.
One fan wrote, "Big surprise?? Old detective returns because Mervin is looking after his niece?" "Humphrey is on his way back," another predicted, while a third added, "Don is the best detective so far. Great work."
Someone else said, "DI Humprey 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." Another shared, "Oh, good. I'm glad Mervin is coming back."
Two more series confirmed
Earlier this year, BBC bosses confirmed that Death in Paradise has been recommissioned for a further two series and two Christmas specials, with filming commencing on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe.
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said about the show's return: "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.
