Death in Paradise Season 15: Cast Shifts and Guadeloupe Filming

 Death in Paradise Season 15 is filming in Guadeloupe with Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson. Who’s returning? What’s new? Get the latest updates. Read now!

Introduction

Death in Paradise is back for Season 15, and fans are buzzing about what’s next for the sun-soaked crime drama set on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie. Filming kicked off in Guadeloupe in April 2025, with Don Gilet returning as Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson after his debut in the 2024 Christmas special. The show, a BBC One staple since 2011, pulled in over 8 million viewers for Season 14, making it the UK’s top-returning drama last year. But with major cast changes—like Ralf Little’s exit as DI Neville Parker and uncertainty around Don Warrington’s Commissioner Selwyn Patterson—there’s a lot to unpack. Fans on X are already speculating, with one posting, “Can’t wait for Season 15, but will Selwyn be back?” This article dives into the cast shifts, filming details, and what to expect when the show returns in early 2026. Let’s get into it.

Don Gilet’s Mervin Wilson: The New Lead Sticking Around

Don Gilet’s DI Mervin Wilson is the new face of Death in Paradise, stepping in after Ralf Little’s departure. Introduced in the 2024 Christmas special, Mervin’s a Londoner adjusting to Saint Marie’s laid-back vibe, often clashing with the team’s rhythm. Gilet confirmed on ITV’s Lorraine that he’s back for Season 15, with filming starting in late April 2025. His character’s arc in Season 14 explored his birth mother’s death, and Season 15 will likely dive into his discovery of a sibling on the island.

Why it matters: A new DI keeps the show fresh, but fans need time to warm to Mervin’s gruff style. How it’s done: Gilet leans into Mervin’s fish-out-of-water dynamic, using his EastEnders experience to add depth. Common mistake: Viewers expecting another quirky DI like Neville might miss Mervin’s grounded intensity. If you don’t give him a chance, you’ll miss a layered performance—Gilet’s already won praise for his “roller-coaster” role.

Uncertainty Around Don Warrington’s Selwyn Patterson

Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, played by Don Warrington since 2011, is a fan favorite, but his Season 15 status is unclear. In Season 14, Selwyn faced losing his job to Sterling Fox (Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge). He was offered his role back but refused, opting for a break with an “au revoir” exit. Fans on X are vocal, with one saying, “Selwyn’s the heart of the show—bring him back!” Warrington told RadioTimes.com, “It’s a bolt from the blue. It’s monumental.”

Why it matters: Selwyn’s presence anchors the team. How it’s handled: The show might keep him in a reduced role, possibly for the 2025 Christmas special. Mistake to avoid: Assuming he’s gone for good—his exit feels open-ended. If he doesn’t return, the show risks losing its emotional core, as Warrington’s 14-year run defines Saint Marie’s authority. Check BBC iPlayer for updates closer to the premiere.

Returning Cast: Who’s Back in Guadeloupe?

Season 15 will see familiar faces like Shantol Jackson as DS Naomi Thomas, Ginny Holder as Officer Darlene Curtis, Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey, and Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Officer Sebastian Rose. Jackson, a Jamaican actress, told BBC.co.uk, “I love speaking in my own dialect—it means so much.” Her character’s love life, teased in Season 14, will develop further. Bourgine shared Instagram glimpses of filming, showing her as Catherine on set in Guadeloupe.

Why it matters: Continuity keeps fans invested. How it’s done: The team’s chemistry, especially Naomi and Darlene’s friendship, grounds the show’s quirky cases. Common error: Skipping episodes thinking the supporting cast doesn’t matter—they drive subplots. Without them, the show could feel hollow, especially with a new DI. Expect guest stars like Tobi Bakare, who returned as JP Hooper in Season 14, to pop up.

Guadeloupe Filming: The Heart of Saint Marie

Filming in Guadeloupe’s Deshaies, doubling as Honoré, is a Death in Paradise hallmark. The church hall used as the police station and Anse La Perle’s beach shack are iconic. The show’s Instagram posted a clapperboard snap in April 2025, captioned, “We’re back in paradise!” Guadeloupe’s butterfly-shaped island, with 400,000 residents, offers a vibrant backdrop—think botanical gardens and Grande Anse beach.

Why it matters: The setting sells the show’s escapism. How it’s done: The crew uses real locations, like Deshaies’ markets, for authenticity. Mistake to avoid: Assuming it’s all CGI—the logistics are tough, as seen when Sara Martins’ injury disrupted Season 1. If filming falters (like weather issues), delays could push the January 2026 premiere. Fans can visit Guadeloupe, but don’t expect Catherine’s Bar—it’s just decking.

Cast Exits: Ralf Little, Tahj Miles, and More

Ralf Little left after Season 13, ending Neville Parker’s arc with a romantic exit alongside Florence Cassell (Joséphine Jobert). He told Hello! Magazine, “It felt right—his story was finished.” Tahj Miles’ Marlon Pryce also exited, moving to Jamaica. Danny John-Jules’ Dwayne Myers left after the 2025 Christmas special. These departures, plus Ben Miller’s earlier exit due to family commitments, show the show’s high turnover.

Why it matters: Frequent cast changes keep the show dynamic but risk alienating fans. How it’s handled: New characters like Mervin and Sebastian refresh the narrative. Common mistake: Clinging to old DIs—each brings a unique flavor. If viewers don’t adapt, they might miss Season 15’s new energy. X posts show mixed feelings, with one fan saying, “Miss Ralf, but Mervin’s growing on me.”

What to Expect from Season 15’s Storylines

Season 15, likely airing January 2026 with a December 2025 Christmas special, will build on Season 14’s cliffhangers. Mervin’s sibling discovery and Catherine’s new romance, hinted at in Season 14, are key threads. The show’s mystery-of-the-week format, averaging 6 million viewers per episode, will continue with guest stars like Michelle Greenidge and Stephen Odubola. Tobi Bakare told RadioTimes.com, “The show always survives.”

Why it matters: Balancing personal arcs with murders keeps the show fresh. How it’s done: Writers weave character stories, like Naomi’s dating, into cases. Mistake to avoid: Expecting standalone episodes—arcs connect across seasons. If you skip context, you’ll miss emotional payoffs. Check BBC iPlayer for Season 14 to catch up before the premiere.

The Show’s Global Appeal and Production Challenges

Death in Paradise is licensed in over 230 territories, from France 2 to PBS. Season 14’s success, with 8 million UK viewers, led to spin-offs like Beyond Paradise and Return to Paradise. Filming in Guadeloupe isn’t easy—Season 1 faced infrastructure issues, and Miller left due to family distance. Bourgine’s Instagram posts show the crew’s resilience, with fans commenting, “It just gets better!”

Why it matters: Global reach drives renewals. How it’s done: Red Planet Pictures uses Guadeloupe’s beauty despite logistical hurdles. Common error: Underestimating production demands—weather and travel complicate schedules. If filming delays occur, the Christmas special could shift, frustrating fans. Stream Seasons 1-14 on BritBox for context.

FAQs

Will Don Warrington return as Selwyn Patterson in Season 15?

It’s unclear if Don Warrington will return as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson. In Season 14, he refused his job back after a replacement, hinting at a break. Fans hope for at least a Christmas special appearance. His exit would shift team dynamics, as he’s been a constant since 2011. Check BBC.co.uk for updates.

Why did Ralf Little leave Death in Paradise?

Ralf Little left after Season 13, feeling Neville Parker’s story was complete. He told Hello! Magazine, “It felt right.” His romantic exit with Florence was a fan-pleaser. Waiting too long to leave could’ve made his arc stale, so the timing worked. Stream Season 13 on BBC iPlayer to see his finale.

Who’s confirmed for Season 15’s cast?

Don Gilet returns as DI Mervin Wilson, with Shantol Jackson (Naomi), Ginny Holder (Darlene), Élizabeth Bourgine (Catherine), and Shaquille Ali-Yebuah (Sebastian). Guest stars are expected, like Tobi Bakare’s JP in Season 14. Danny John-Jules won’t return as Dwayne. Follow BBC’s Instagram for updates.

Where is Death in Paradise filmed?

The show films in Guadeloupe, mainly Deshaies, doubling as Honoré. Key spots include a church hall (police station) and Anse La Perle (DI’s shack). Logistical challenges, like weather, can disrupt shooting. Missing these details means missing the show’s charm. Visit inews.co.uk for location guides.

When will Season 15 air?

Season 15 is expected in January or February 2026, following a December 2025 Christmas special, based on past schedules. Filming began in April 2025, per Don Gilet on Lorraine. Delays could shift the premiere, so check RadioTimes.com for updates.

Are there new storylines in Season 15?

Expect Mervin’s sibling arc and Catherine’s romance to develop, per Season 14 hints. The mystery-of-the-week format continues with new guest stars. Skipping Season 14 means missing key context for these arcs. Stream it on BBC iPlayer to catch up.

Conclusion

Death in Paradise Season 15 is shaping up to be a mix of fresh faces and familiar vibes, with Don Gilet leading the charge in Guadeloupe’s stunning backdrop. Filming’s underway, but questions linger—will Selwyn return? How will Mervin’s story unfold? With 6-8 million viewers per season, the show’s a global hit, but cast changes like Ralf Little’s exit keep fans on edge. Binge Seasons 1-14 on BBC iPlayer or BritBox to prep for the 2026 premiere. Got thoughts on the new DI or Guadeloupe’s charm? Share in the comments or on X!