Death in Paradise creator Robert Thorogood has opened up about the difficulties of writing the beloved BBC crime drama, admitting it is 'hard' to balance mystery, tone, and character warmth.
Creator Calls Show 'Hardest TV to Write'
Speaking to Radio Times, Thorogood said: 'I'd put money on it being the hardest TV to write.' He explained that with one hour to kill someone at the start and catch the murderer at the end, 'that's 20 pages of script spoken for before you get to the fun stuff.' He added: 'It's hard to get the balance and tone right, the complication of the mystery, the warmth of the characters, make the detectives loveable but still good at their jobs.'
Don Gilet Leads Season 15
The much-loved crime drama debuted in 2011 and has now aired 15 seasons. EastEnders actor Don Gilet stepped into the shoes of DI Mervin Wilson for season 14 onwards, cracking cases on the fictional island of Sainte Marie. He currently stars as the lead, and fans have been left begging for more after his initial two seasons.
Spin-offs and Future Seasons
Alongside Death in Paradise, Thorogood developed spin-offs Beyond Paradise and Return to Paradise, and has penned The Marlow Murder Club series. Following Death in Paradise's return for its 15th season, fans have been celebrating the news of the BBC confirming two more installments as well as Christmas specials.
An update shared on the programme's official Instagram page in April read: 'Cameras are now rolling on the new series of #DeathInParadise, and we're welcoming back the dream team of Don Gilet, Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Shaquille Ali-Yebuah, Catherine Garton and Élizabeth Bourgine. We've got even better news, too. We've been recommissioned for two series, so there's plenty more Paradise to look forward to! Plus something really special is happening to kick off the next series, and there'll be a big surprise to set it up in the Christmas episode. For everything else... you'll have to wait.'
Fans reacted enthusiastically, with one writing: 'Yay! Love this series so much,' and another replying: 'So so happy to hear there is another season in the works.' Someone else said: 'Love this show,' while another echoed: 'I can't wait!!'
Previous Lead Actors
The beloved crime drama began with Ben Miller in the leading role, followed by turns from Kris Marshall, Ardal O'Hanlon, and Ralf Little. Death in Paradise is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
