Elizabeth Bourgine, the celebrated star of the BBC's hit crime drama Death In Paradise, has opened up about the emotional fallout from a major character's exit in the upcoming fifteenth series. The actress, who portrays the beloved Catherine Bordey on the fictional island of Saint Marie, reflects on how this departure has created a sense of betrayal that will shape the new season's narrative.
A Beloved Commissioner's Departure Leaves a Void
With the show set to return in just days, Bourgine has provided fans with intriguing insights into Catherine's journey following the exit of Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, played by Don Warrington. Selwyn departed Saint Marie at the end of the previous series, leaving the police team and island community reeling from what has been described as a "great loss".
Bourgine explains that Catherine plays a pivotal role in helping the team navigate this challenging transition. "She helps the team to understand that they must do something to regain the islanders' trust in them as a police force," the actress revealed. "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."
The Emotional Impact on Characters and Community
The departure has created what co-star Don Gilet, who plays DI Mervin Wilson, calls an "emotional hole in the team." Gilet elaborated on how Selwyn's exit affects his character personally: "Selwyn has been the only one that really gets Mervin from a paternal perspective. He's the only one that he's shared his demons and fears with and he's always a step ahead. It's certainly a great loss, that feeling that the person who you can always go to isn't going to be there anymore."
Interestingly, Selwyn chose to inform only Catherine of his decision to leave, despite being offered his former position back after appeals from colleagues. When questioned about why he turned down the opportunity after fighting so hard to retain his role, Selwyn explained: "I don't know, but it felt wrong to say yes, too much has happened, and right now, I can't see a way to get back to how things were."
Catherine's Complex Reaction to Her Friend's Choice
Bourgine previously admitted that her character was "upset and angry" at Selwyn's departure, particularly following the Christmas special that aired recently. "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," the actress shared. "Ultimately, she's disappointed, but he's her best friend, and whether he's on Saint Marie or not, she will always support him."
The poignant farewell between the characters saw Selwyn pleading with Catherine: "Promise me, you will look after yourself and the rest of them," to which she replied: "Of course, promise me this isn't farewell but au revoir."
Rebuilding Trust on Saint Marie
As the new series approaches, Bourgine emphasizes Catherine's crucial role in bridging the gap between the police force and the island community. "Catherine helps the team to understand how the island is feeling, and what they need to do moving forward," she explained. This dynamic sets the stage for compelling storytelling as the characters navigate the aftermath of what they perceive as abandonment by their trusted commissioner.
The upcoming season promises to explore themes of loyalty, community resilience, and professional rebuilding as the remaining team members—including Shantol Jackson and Don Gilet—strive to maintain law and order on Saint Marie without their foundational leader. Bourgine's insights suggest that viewers can expect emotionally charged episodes that delve into how institutions and relationships recover from unexpected departures.
Death In Paradise returns to BBC One and iPlayer on Friday 30th January at 9pm, offering audiences the chance to see how Catherine and the police team adapt to their new reality following Commissioner Patterson's controversial exit.
