BBC One's beloved Caribbean crime drama, Death in Paradise, makes a festive return tonight with a brand-new Christmas special, setting the stage for a fresh series in 2026. The show, a staple of British television since its 2011 debut, welcomes back Don Gilet as the lead detective, DI Mervin Wilson.
A Star-Studded Guest Line-Up for the Festive Mystery
The BBC has unveiled an exciting roster of guest stars set to appear in this year's standalone holiday episode. They will join the regular sun-soaked cast on the fictional island of Saint Marie. The guest ensemble features notable names including Josie Lawrence (Outside Edge), Kate Ashfield (Shaun of the Dead), and Pearl Mackie (Doctor Who). They are joined by James Baxter (Waterloo Road), Billy Harris (Ted Lasso), Oriana Charles, and Alix Serman.
The core team returning includes Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson, Shantol Jackson as Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas, and Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Officer Sebastian Rose. Elizabeth Bourgine and Ginny Holder also reprise their roles as Catherine Bordey and Officer Darlene Curtis, respectively.
The Puzzling Christmas Case: A Murder Weapon Miles Away
The plot for the 2025 special promises a classic, mind-bending Death in Paradise puzzle. The story begins after an office Christmas party goes terribly wrong. Four colleagues wake with severe hangovers to discover an unknown man shot dead in their villa's swimming pool.
DI Wilson and his team quickly locate the murder weapon. However, the investigation takes a bizarre turn when they realise the gun was locked inside a drawer in Swindon—thousands of miles from the Caribbean crime scene—at the exact time of the shooting. To complicate matters further, all potential suspects claim they have never met the victim before.
As the squad untangles a web of secrets and illicit activities, they realise they need all the help they can get. This could mean recruiting a familiar face who is spending the festive season back in the UK.
Mervin Wilson's Personal Festive Struggles
Amidst the murder investigation, the island's Yuletide celebrations are in full swing, including the annual nativity play, which requires Mervin's participation. Yet, the Detective Inspector is preoccupied with a private family matter.
Several months prior, he contacted a brother he had only recently discovered, but has received no reply. The special will explore whether Mervin can resolve his personal issues and fully embrace the holiday spirit for the sake of his team and the Saint Marie community.
Discussing his return to the role, Don Gilet told the BBC: "It felt good. Slightly daunting, but in a positive sense because you want to do the same again, if not better." He humorously compared it to the pressure of a "second album," noting a renewed appetite to win over audiences upon his return to filming in Guadeloupe.
The Death in Paradise Christmas special 2025 airs tonight, Sunday 28 December, at 8:30pm on BBC One.
