Death in Paradise Season 15: Release Date, Cast, and What to Expect
Death in Paradise Season 15 is officially confirmed, with filming underway and a 2026 release expected. Get cast updates, plot details, and more. Read now!
Introduction
Death in Paradise isn’t slowing down. After wrapping its 14th season earlier this year, the BBC has confirmed that the show will return for a 15th season. Filming started in Guadeloupe in April 2025, and a Christmas special is already planned for December 2025. That means fans won’t have to wait long before seeing Saint Marie’s sun-soaked mysteries again.
What makes this return especially interesting is the transitional period the show is in. With Ralf Little’s Neville Parker gone, Season 14 introduced Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson, and his story will continue to unfold in Season 15. Add to that Selwyn Patterson’s uncertain future, and you’ve got plenty of tension heading into the next chapter.
Here’s everything we know so far: release timing, cast confirmations, possible plotlines, and what production has already revealed about the show’s future.
Release Date: When Will Death in Paradise Season 15 Air?
The BBC hasn’t announced a specific air date yet, but the schedule is usually predictable. Every season follows a pattern: a Christmas special in December and then the main season starting in January or February. With Season 15 filming underway and a holiday special confirmed, it’s safe to expect a January 2026 premiere.
Season 14 followed the same rhythm, debuting in February 2025 after the 2024 Christmas special. Fans should plan on the same rollout. The network rarely breaks from this schedule, as it has become a staple of BBC One’s early-year programming.
Key takeaway: Expect a Christmas 2025 special to bridge into a January or February 2026 launch for Season 15.
Returning Cast: Who’s Back in Season 15?
BBC has confirmed several familiar faces will return. The cast list includes:
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Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson – Now the lead detective, Wilson’s personal and professional life will drive much of the story.
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Shantol Jackson as Sergeant Naomi Thomas – Steady and sharp, she has quickly become the backbone of the team.
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Ginny Holder as Officer Darlene Curtis – A regular presence since Season 11, she brings continuity and warmth.
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Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Officer Sebastian Rose – The newest recruit, still proving himself.
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Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey – The heart of the island community, Catherine is indispensable.
There’s one big question hanging over the cast list: Commissioner Selwyn Patterson. After deciding to step down in Season 14, his future is unclear. Whether Patterson truly leaves or finds a way to stay connected to the police force could be one of the biggest storylines in Season 15.
Plot Details: What Storylines Will Continue?
Season 15 will build directly on Season 14’s finale. The big twist was DI Wilson discovering he had a brother. That revelation opens the door for a new family-focused arc. Viewers can expect the writers to balance his private life with the weekly case-of-the-week mysteries.
Other threads include:
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Selwyn Patterson’s decision – His resignation created shockwaves. Fans will want closure on whether he stays, retires, or hands the reins fully to Wilson.
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Team dynamics – Sebastian Rose is still new and adjusting. Naomi continues to balance respect for authority with independent judgment.
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Guest stars and island life – As with every season, fresh faces will arrive to stir up the island, both in the form of guest stars and visiting characters connected to the team.
The show has always mixed cozy mystery storytelling with evolving character arcs, and Season 15 looks to stick with that formula.
Production News: Filming in Guadeloupe
The BBC officially announced in April 2025 that filming for Season 15 had begun in Guadeloupe. Behind-the-scenes photos on social media confirmed the cast’s return to the Caribbean location.
Guadeloupe has been the show’s home since the beginning, doubling as the fictional island of Saint Marie. The vibrant setting is as much a character as the detectives themselves. The tropical backdrops remain one of the show’s biggest draws, and production isn’t moving anytime soon.
The team has also promised new guest stars, which means more familiar British actors could make appearances in Season 15. Past seasons have included everyone from Ben Miller to Juliet Stevenson in cameo roles, so fans can look forward to a few surprises.
Why Season 15 Matters for Death in Paradise’s Future
Season 15 isn’t just another run of episodes. It’s also a test for the show’s longevity after Neville Parker’s departure. Ralf Little had been in the role for four years, and transitions like this can sometimes shake viewer loyalty.
However, early reactions to Don Gilet have been positive. If Season 15 keeps ratings strong, the show could easily continue into a 16th or 17th season. The BBC has already shown its commitment by confirming a 2025 Christmas special before Season 14 even ended.
The real test will be whether viewers connect with Wilson’s personal story and how seamlessly he integrates into the established team.
FAQs About Death in Paradise Season 15
Will there be a Death in Paradise Christmas special in 2025?
Yes. BBC has confirmed a holiday special for December 2025. It will act as a bridge between Seasons 14 and 15, following the same release model as past years.
Who is the new detective in Death in Paradise?
Don Gilet plays DI Mervin Wilson, who replaced Ralf Little’s Neville Parker at the end of Season 14. Season 15 will be his first full season leading the team.
Is Commissioner Selwyn Patterson leaving the show?
Season 14 ended with Patterson stepping down, but it’s unclear if he’s gone for good. The writers left his exit open-ended, so his storyline will likely continue in Season 15.
When will Death in Paradise Season 15 be released?
The official date hasn’t been announced, but filming began in April 2025. Based on past schedules, the Christmas special will air in December 2025, with Season 15 premiering in January or February 2026.
Where is Death in Paradise filmed?
The show films in Guadeloupe, which doubles as the fictional island of Saint Marie. Production for Season 15 started there in April 2025.
Conclusion
Death in Paradise Season 15 is shaping up to be an important chapter in the show’s history. With Don Gilet stepping into the lead role and Selwyn Patterson’s fate hanging in the balance, there’s more uncertainty and anticipation than usual.
Fans can expect the traditional Christmas special in December 2025 and a likely January 2026 season premiere. Familiar faces are back, production is underway in Guadeloupe, and the BBC seems confident in the show’s future.
If you’ve been watching since the early days, this season might feel like a fresh start. And if you’re new to Saint Marie, Season 15 will be a good jumping-on point. Either way, the mysteries continue.
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