Death In Paradise favourite Elizabeth Bourgine has revealed how her co-star's departure has affected her character's journey in the show. The actress, who portrays Saint Marie's beloved Catherine Bordey, is set to return to the hit BBC crime drama alongside cast members including Shantol Jackson and Don Gilet.
With Death In Paradise gearing up for its 15th series launch, Elizabeth has given fans a glimpse into Catherine's forthcoming storyline in the wake of Commissioner Selwyn Patterson's (played by Don Warrington) departure. When questioned about how Catherine is assisting the police team in rebuilding the island's confidence, she revealed: "She helps the team to understand that they must do something to regain the islanders' trust in them as a police force."
"Throughout the series, there's a running thread of the people of Saint Marie learning to rely on one another and count on one another, so when Selwyn left, it felt like a betrayal to the people of Saint Marie," she added. Catherine helps the team understand how the island is feeling and what they need to do moving forward.
Ahead of the Christmas special, Catherine admitted she was "upset and angry" at Selwyn's departure. "They both did their best all throughout the last series, but she was angry because it was too easy for him to abandon things after all of that. Ultimately, she's disappointed, but he's her best friend, and whether he's on Saint Marie or not, she will always support him," Bourgine said.
Don Warrington reflected on Selwyn's exit as a "great loss," noting: "You see how it impacts the characters, thinking that somebody who has employed them and has been there seemingly forever suddenly goes. It's certainly a great loss, that feeling that the person who you can always go to isn't going to be there anymore. It's left an emotional hole in the team."
Death In Paradise returns to BBC One and iPlayer on Friday 30th January at 9pm.
