Ginny Holder, a beloved star of the long-running BBC series Death in Paradise, has officially departed the show after portraying Darlene Curtis for seven years. The actress will not return for the fifteenth series, which premieres on BBC One on Friday, January 30 at 9pm.
Emotional Farewell to Darlene Curtis
Holder first appeared in series seven as Darlene Curtis, initially introduced as a love interest for Dwayne Myers and working in police station administration. Over time, her character underwent significant development, training to become a police officer and an integral part of the team.
In a statement, Death in Paradise producers expressed their gratitude, saying: "Sadly, we're saying goodbye to Darlene this series. Ginny Holder has been a much-loved cast member, and we're hugely grateful to her for bringing her talent to Officer Darlene Curtis. We wish her all the best - maybe we'll catch up with her in Saint Marie in the future!"
Holder herself shared her emotional response on social media, noting: "Saying goodbye to her has been far more emotional than I ever expected - I really do miss her."
What's Next for Ginny Holder?
While the exact reasons for her exit remain unconfirmed, scheduling conflicts may have played a role, as Holder filmed the third series of the hit BBC drama The Capture in 2025. Fans will be delighted to see her return as DI Nadia Latif in this acclaimed series, which is set to premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC One this spring after a three-year hiatus.
Star-Studded Cast of The Capture
The new series features an impressive ensemble cast, including:
- Paapa Essiedu reprising his role as Isaac Turner
- Holliday Grainger starring as Rachel Carey
- Indira Varma playing BBC News presenter Khadija Khan
- Hugh Quarshie as Commissioner Cameron Yates
- Linus Roache as Colonel Figgis
- Ben Miles as Danny Hart
- Lia Williams as Gemma Garland
- Ron Perlman as CIA agent Frank Napier
- Nigel Lindsay as DSI Tom Kendricks
- Tessa Wong as DC Chloe Tan
New Additions to Death in Paradise
As Holder departs, viewers can anticipate the arrival of Police Sergeant Mattie Fletcher, portrayed by actress Catherine Garton. Don Gilet, who plays Mervin Wilson, commented on the new character: "There's definitely something of a rebel in Mattie. We haven't had that rebellious element, really. She's a bit younger, probably a similar age, give or take, to Officer Seb Rose, but she's seen a lot more."
He added: "She’s a sergeant and she’s more experienced and is always on the front foot, whereas Seb is going through his rookie stripes. It’s great seeing how the two of them connect – there’s a nurturing side as well as a rebellious side. She’s a great addition to the team."
This transition marks a significant shift for both series, with Holder's move highlighting the dynamic nature of television casting and the exciting opportunities ahead for the talented actress.
