Ginny Holder has officially left Death in Paradise after seven years playing Darlene Curtis. The BBC confirmed her departure ahead of series 15, following her absence from the Christmas special, which was filmed via video call.
In a statement, show bosses said: '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, personality, and energy to Officer Darlene Curtis.' They hinted at a possible return, adding: 'We wish her all the best - maybe we'll catch up with her in Saint Marie down the line!'
Holder took to social media to thank fans, writing: 'Thank you so much to the BBC and Red Planet Pictures for giving me the absolute gift of playing Darlene. I loved her deeply, and saying goodbye to her has been far more emotional than I ever expected.' She also praised the cast, crew, and writer James Hall for creating the character.
Fans expressed their devastation online, with one commenting: 'Can't believe you won't be returning. You have truly been awesome, Ginny!' Another said: 'I'm really going to miss you on Death in Paradise. I loved Darlene.'
Replacing Darlene is Sergeant Mattie Fletcher, played by Catherine Garton, who joins DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) and DS Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson) in the new series.
