Death in Paradise Star Shantol Jackson Opens Up About Guadeloupe as Her 'Second Home'
Shantol Jackson, the actress portraying Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas in the beloved BBC crime drama Death in Paradise, has shared heartfelt insights into her filming experience ahead of the show's highly anticipated 15th series. In a recent interview, she revealed that the tropical island of Guadeloupe, where the series is filmed, has become her "second home", offering a personal glimpse into the cast's life behind the scenes.
A Familiar and Welcoming Return to Paradise
When asked about returning for another season, Jackson expressed her excitement and comfort, stating: "Guadeloupe has become my second home. I've become so familiar with the island - when you have friends there, it feels like coming home. I was very excited to return." This sentiment highlights the deep connection the cast develops with the location, which serves as the backdrop for the fictional island of Saint Marie. Her comments underscore the show's unique blend of professional filming and personal camaraderie, which has been a hallmark of its long-running success.
Dynamic Cast Relationships and New Series Developments
Jackson also reflected on the refreshing dynamic brought by co-star Don Gilet, who took over the lead role as DI Mervin Wilson in series 14. She noted: "When Don Gilet started last year, it was so refreshing and I was excited to return to that dynamic with Don and Shaquille. It was great getting to see my guys and to jump back into it." This chemistry is set to play a key role in the upcoming episodes, as the team navigates new challenges and character arcs.
The new series promises intriguing plotlines, including:
- DI Mervin's adjustment to life in Saint Marie and his complex relationship with his half-brother Solomon, played by Daniel Ward.
- Commissioner Selwyn Patterson's efforts to regain trust after a period of absence, with support from old friend Catherine Bordey.
- DS Naomi Thomas and Officer Sebastian Rose helping new recruit Sergeant Mattie Fletcher settle in, amid shadows from her past.
Exciting Cases and Behind-the-Scenes Highlights
Teasing some of the cases in series 15, Jackson mentioned a "sea monster" storyline and a hilarious group of theatre actors performing Shakespeare's The Tempest. She described the experience: "We also have a hilarious group of theatre actors performing a Shakespeare play who were all so funny, we had a great time with them. The play was The Tempest, so we had a beautiful shipwreck set on the beach, which was fantastic." These elements showcase the show's signature mix of mystery, humour, and stunning visual settings.
The Reality of Filming in a Tropical Paradise
While viewers are mesmerised by the breathtaking landscapes of Guadeloupe, former star Ralf Little previously addressed misconceptions about filming. He explained that it's neither a constant "jolly" nor a "nightmare", but a physically demanding endeavour balanced with incredible luck. This insight adds depth to Jackson's home-like feelings, revealing the hard work behind the sunny facade.
Death in Paradise returns to BBC One and iPlayer on Friday, 30th January at 9pm, offering fans another dose of tropical intrigue and character-driven drama.
