Death in Paradise star Elizabeth Bourgine has confirmed that filming has wrapped on series 16 and the festive special, but the announcement has left some viewers unhappy about a scheduling change made by BBC bosses.
Bourgine, who plays Catherine Bordey, shared a photograph of the cast on Instagram with the caption “It's a wrap.” The post confirmed that production on the upcoming series and the Christmas episode had concluded.
Fans react to the filming update
Reactions to the news were largely positive, with one fan writing, “Cannot stop watching this show. Just started season 1 again for the 3rd time.” Another commented, “So excited for the new series to start in the New Year.”
A further follower added, “Wow, I just can't wait for the new series starting with the Christmas special.” One supporter, referring to Don Gilet, simply said, “The best detective is back.”
Early iPlayer release sparks debate
Both Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise will return with Christmas specials this year, but a significant change has been announced. The feature-length special will be available on BBC iPlayer from Friday, November 27, ahead of its television broadcast during the festive period.
DI Mervin Wilson, played by Don Gilet, will be back on the case alongside 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). Beyond Paradise will also return this month with its own festive special, with DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) and the Shipton Abbott team tackling a seasonal mystery.
The scheduling decision has divided opinion, with some viewers saying the episodes are arriving “too early.” One frustrated viewer said, “Spoiling it by putting it on iPlayer so early... won't be anything to look forward to,” while another agreed, “Wow, that's early.”
“Looking forward to this BUT not watching on iPlayer. Why the early iPlayer release, for goodness sake? ? ?” someone else commented. One viewer added, “It's not at Christmas if it's being shown at the end of November!”
Not all fans are disappointed
The change has not disappointed everyone, with one fan saying, “I can't wait! It will make my Christmas.” Another wrote, “Cannot wait... my favourite show!!”
Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise's Christmas specials will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer from Friday, November 27.
