Death in Paradise star Elizabeth Bourgine, who plays Catherine Bordey, has confirmed that filming for series 16 and the festive instalment has wrapped, but fans are divided over a major change to the Christmas special's release.
Filming Complete for Series 16 and Festive Special
Taking to Instagram, Bourgine shared a picture of the cast and simply captioned the post, "It's a wrap." The update confirmed that production on the new series and the Christmas special has finished.
Fans responded with excitement in the comments. One wrote, "Cannot stop watching this show. Just started season 1 again for the 3rd time." Another said, "So excited for the new series to start in the New Year." Someone else added, "Wow, I just can't wait for the new series starting with the Christmas special." One fan, referring to Don Gilet, commented, "The best detective is back."
Christmas Specials Move to iPlayer
Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise will both return with Christmas specials, but there is a notable change this year. The feature-length special will be available on BBC iPlayer from Friday, November 27, ahead of its BBC broadcast over the festive season.
DI Mervin Wilson, played by Don Gilet, will be back on the case alongside Don Warrington as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, Shantol Jackson as DS Naomi Thomas, Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Officer Sebastian Rose, Catherine Garton as Sergeant Mattie Fletcher, and Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey.
Beyond Paradise will also return this month with its own festive special, with DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) and the Shipton Abbott team set to solve a puzzling festive case.
Fans Divided Over Early Release
Some fans have expressed frustration over the change, with many claiming the episodes will drop "too early." One fan fumed, "Spoiling it by putting it on iPlayer so early... won't be anything to look forward to," while another agreed, "Wow, that’s early."
"Looking forward to this BUT not watching on iPlayer. Why the early iPlayer release, for goodness sake???" someone else commented. One agreed, "It’s not at Christmas if it’s being shown at the end of November!"
Not all fans were upset by the shake-up, as one said, "I can’t wait! It will make my Christmas." Another excited fan penned, "Cannot wait… my favorite show!!!"
The Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise Christmas specials will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer from Friday, November 27.
