Fans of the hit BBC drama Death in Paradise were sent into a frenzy on Sunday evening when a beloved former character made a completely unexpected return during the show's festive special.
A Festive Surprise for Viewers
The Christmas episode, which aired on 28 December 2025, saw the welcome reappearance of Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, played by actor Don Warrington. The character had departed Saint Marie and his position at the conclusion of the show's fourteenth series, making his comeback a genuine shock for the audience.
The plot found the programme's new lead detective, DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet), in need of assistance with a complex murder case on the island. With the investigation having links to the UK, Selwyn, who was spending the holiday with his daughter, volunteered to travel to Swindon to help.
Fan Reaction and Social Media Buzz
Viewers took to social media immediately to express their delight at the Commissioner's return. One fan declared the special "absolutely brilliant," adding how lovely it was to see Selwyn back. Another posted, "I knew it was going to be Selwyn!" while a third exclaimed, "I definitely didn't scream with excitement... IM SO HAPPY."
The surprise was subtly teased ahead of time on the Instagram page for the show's spin-off, Beyond Paradise. A post featuring a picture of the Commissioner hinted, "Tomorrow night... the Commissioner might be in the UK, but the Caribbean keeps calling."
What's Next for the Commissioner?
Selwyn's future on the show had seemed sealed when he chose to decline an offer to reclaim his old job at the end of the previous series, opting to leave Saint Marie for good. His recent appearance in Beyond Paradise for the wedding of Humphrey Goodman and Martha Lloyd had already given fans a brief treat.
While he provided crucial information that helped DI Wilson solve the Swindon-linked case in the Christmas special, it remains unclear whether Commissioner Selwyn Patterson will return to Saint Marie permanently for the upcoming fifteenth series. His festive cameo, however, has certainly left viewers hopeful for more.
The Death in Paradise Christmas special is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
