In an exclusive reveal, Death in Paradise star Shantol Jackson has confirmed the departure of a beloved character from the hit BBC series, with a new face joining the Saint Marie police force.
A Fond Farewell to Darlene Curtis
Speaking to Reach PLC and other media outlets, the cast addressed the notable absence of actress Ginny Holder, who played the fan-favourite character Darlene Curtis. Holder was missing from the latest series and made only a brief video cameo in the Christmas special.
Shantol Jackson, who plays Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas, confessed the team will feel the loss. "We definitely miss Ginny," Jackson stated. She elaborated, drawing a comparison between the characters, noting that while Catherine Bordey is like an older sister, Ginny's Darlene was the "Queen Mother" of the station.
Co-star Shaquille Ali-Yebuah, who portrays Officer Sebastian Rose, affectionately added, "She was the auntie." Jackson emphasised that Holder carried that warm, matriarchal energy both on and off screen, meaning the cast will miss the person as much as the character.
Meet the New Recruit: Sergeant Mattie Fletcher
Filling the void is newcomer Police Sergeant Mattie Fletcher, played by actress Catherine Garton. The series synopsis indicates that DS Naomi Thomas and Officer Rose will be tasked with helping the new recruit settle in, a process complicated by shadows from Mattie's past.
Jackson was full of praise for Garton's integration into the close-knit team. "Thankfully, Catherine has done so exceptionally well that you don't feel like there is an empty gap," she said. "It doesn't feel that way at all... Catherine has done a really good job in carrying that baton."
What Else to Expect in the New Series
The upcoming series promises a mix of baffling new cases and compelling personal dramas for the Saint Marie police. Don Gilet returns as DI Mervin Wilson, who continues to adjust to island life. His attempt to connect with his half-brother Solomon, played by Daniel Ward, leads to frustration as he discovers they are not as similar as he hoped.
In a significant plotline, Don Warrington reprises his role as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, who is determined to win back the island's trust after his recent absence, spurred on by some tough love from Catherine Bordey (Elizabeth Bourgine).
The ensemble cast is further bolstered by an impressive roster of guest stars, including:
- Sarah Hadland
- Siobhan Finneran
- Hermione Norris
- Julian Rhind-Tutt
- Steffan Rhodri
The new series of Death in Paradise is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer, offering fans fresh mysteries under the Caribbean sun alongside the emotional farewell to a cherished character.
