Tobi Bakare’s Return to Death in Paradise and Beyond
Tobi Bakare, the guy who brought Sergeant JP Hooper to life on Death in Paradise, made a big splash when he returned to the BBC series on January 31, 2025, after leaving in 2021. Fans were over the moon, flooding social media with excitement about seeing JP back on the sun-soaked island of Saint Marie. He’d left the show after seven years to take a promotion elsewhere with his wife and twin daughters, but his one-episode comeback got everyone talking: is he back for good? Could he pop up in the spin-off Beyond Paradise with Kris Marshall? Tobi’s journey—on and off the show—offers a look at what it takes to step back into a beloved role, balance career and family, and navigate the TV world. Let’s unpack why his return matters, how he’s pulling it off, and what you can learn from it if you’re juggling big commitments.
JP Hooper’s Comeback: Why and How
Tobi’s return as JP Hooper in Death in Paradise season 14, which aired on BBC One at 9pm on January 31, 2025, was a big deal. JP, a fan-favorite police sergeant, had left Saint Marie at the end of season 10 after getting promoted, moving away with his wife Rosey and their twins, per Express. His exit made sense—his character had grown from a rookie under Dwayne Myers’ wing to a confident leader, even mentoring Marlon Pryce, played by Tahj Miles. But fans didn’t want him gone. When TV Guide and Express announced his return, social media lit up, with viewers calling it “epic” and “thrilling.”
Why come back? Tobi told Express it felt right because he’d done a small stint in the previous season, keeping his connection to the show alive. “The show is phenomenal. Tim [Key, the producer] is phenomenal. The storyline is great, and Death in Paradise is home,” he said. The episode sees JP return as the new lead detective, DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet), takes over from Ralf Little’s Neville Parker. The plot teases a case close to the team’s hearts, with Mervin considering leaving after his mother’s death but staying for the job. JP’s role in this episode isn’t permanent—he’s confirmed it’s just one episode—but it’s a chance to serve the story and reconnect with fans.
How do you make a return like this work? It’s about timing and fit. Tobi said the storyline had to make sense, and he only agreed when it did. Actors returning to long-running shows need to respect the character’s arc and the show’s world. A common mistake is coming back just for fan service, ignoring the plot’s logic. That can feel forced, alienating viewers. Tobi avoided this by ensuring his cameo tied to the narrative, not just nostalgia. If you’re returning to a past role—whether it’s a job, a project, or a creative gig—you need to align with the current context. Get it wrong, and you risk looking out of place or derailing the bigger picture.
The Pull of Beyond Paradise
Tobi also teased a possible appearance in Beyond Paradise, the Death in Paradise spin-off starring Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman. The two worked together in Death in Paradise seasons 3 to 6, with JP as a rookie and Humphrey as the lead detective. Tobi told Express he’s open to joining Beyond Paradise, saying, “The franchise of Death in Paradise has been so interesting, I was like, ‘Wow, this is some Marvel stuff.’” He respects Red Planet, the production company, and would consider a role in Cornwall “with my shorts on” if it fits his family, career, and goals.
Beyond Paradise, set in Shipton Abbott (filmed in Looe, Cornwall), follows Humphrey and his fiancée Martha Lloyd, played by Sally Bretton. Season three, which started March 31, 2025, features Martha’s 10 Mile Kitchen moving to a new harbor-view venue and the couple fostering a teenager named Jaiden, per Devon Live and Express. Tobi’s potential crossover would reunite him with Kris, tapping into their old chemistry. Why does this matter? Crossovers keep a franchise fresh, linking old fans with new stories. But they can flop if the character doesn’t fit the new setting. Tobi’s cautious approach—only joining if it “makes sense”—shows he’s thinking long-term. If you’re considering a new project tied to past work, weigh how it fits your skills and goals. Jump in blindly, and you might dilute your impact.
Tobi’s Journey: From Rookie to Returnee
Tobi’s career arc is a lesson in growth. He joined Death in Paradise in season four as JP, a nervous officer mentored by Dwayne Myers (Danny John-Jules). By season nine, JP passed his sergeant exam, and in season 10, he and Rosey (played by his real-life wife Prisca Bakare) welcomed twins, mirroring Tobi’s own whirlwind romance and marriage, per Express (2020). He left in 2021 after seven years, citing a personal realization tied to his faith and family needs—his wife was in the UK, and he wanted to be closer, per Radio Times. He told Express in 2022 he almost stayed for co-star Tahj Miles, who played Marlon, because their chemistry was so strong.
Since leaving, Tobi’s been selective. He played Walter Woodcock in Outlander and voiced Sam Green in the video game The Casting of Frank Stone, per Express (2025). His Instagram shows him balancing family life with his wife Prisca and kids, alongside projects like the stage play Dear Father. Returning to Death in Paradise wasn’t about cashing in—it was about honoring a show that’s “home.” Actors often make the mistake of returning for the wrong reasons: money, fame, or pressure. That can lead to lackluster performances or fan backlash. Tobi’s choice to return briefly and strategically keeps his credibility intact. If you’re revisiting a past role, do it for the right reasons—passion, fit, or purpose—or you might tarnish your reputation.
Connecting to the Franchise’s Legacy
Tobi’s return ties into the broader Death in Paradise universe, which includes Beyond Paradise and connections to stars like Don Warrington and Sally Bretton. Don, who played Commissioner Selwyn Patterson for 14 years, left in March 2025 after the show hit its 100th episode, per Express. He faced personal challenges, like losing his father at six and navigating racism in England, yet built a lasting career. Sally, who plays Martha in Beyond Paradise and Lucy in Not Going Out, balances comedy and drama while fostering a teenager in the show, per Wales Online. Both show resilience, like Tobi, who left and returned on his terms.
The franchise’s success—13 seasons for Death in Paradise, three for Beyond Paradise—comes from its mix of cozy mysteries, vibrant settings, and rotating casts. TV Guide lists season 13 episodes airing weekly at 9pm on BBC One, with plots like a desert island murder and a killing at a care home. The show’s formula works: a new case each week, solved by a charismatic detective. But it risks stagnation if new blood (like Don Gilet’s Mervin) or returnees (like Tobi) don’t refresh it. Producers avoid this by carefully weaving in familiar faces, per Express. If you’re running a long-term project, keep it fresh with new ideas but respect what fans love. Ignore that, and you lose your audience.
Why This Matters
Tobi Bakare’s return to Death in Paradise and his potential Beyond Paradise role show what it takes to stay relevant in a fast-moving industry. Why does this matter? Balancing career moves, family, and personal goals is something most of us face. Tobi’s selective approach—returning for one episode, open to new projects only if they fit—shows how to make choices that align with your life. Common mistakes? Jumping at every opportunity without thinking or clinging to past successes. That can lead to burnout or irrelevance. Tobi avoids this by prioritizing story, family, and career fit.
What’s next? Death in Paradise continues on BBC One, with Tobi’s episode already aired. Beyond Paradise season four is confirmed, and Tobi might join it. His journey says: know when to return, when to move on, and how to balance it all. Whether you’re navigating a career or personal commitments, Tobi’s story shows you can make it work—just plan carefully and stay true to yourself.
