The BBC has confirmed the future of its hit series Death In Paradise, recommissioning the show for two further series and two Christmas specials. The announcement comes as filming for the 16th season begins on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe.
Set on the fictional island of Saint Marie, the comedy-drama follows a British detective solving murder mysteries. The 16th season will see returning cast members including Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson, Don Warrington as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, Shantol Jackson as DS Naomi Thomas, and Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as officer Sebastian Rose. Catherine Garton will also return as Sergeant Mattie Fletcher, and Elizabeth Bourgine reprises her role as Catherine Bordey. Guest stars will be announced later.
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 at 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…'
The show, which first aired in 2011, is enjoyed by audiences in 230 territories worldwide and has spawned spinoffs including Beyond Paradise and Return To Paradise.
