Bosses behind BBC crime drama Death in Paradise have shared an update on the new series of the long-running show, but the update has sparked an urgent plea from fans.
The latest set of episodes in series 14 saw Don Gillet make his debut as the new detective inspector, winning over loyal fans as he took over from Ralf Little’s Neville Parker.
Fans can rest assured that series 15 of the programme is on the way following the announcement, but they will have a bit of wait before the beloved characters return to screens.
The show’s official Instagram account shared on Tuesday that filming for the new episodes had commenced, sparking a flurry of enthusiastic comments, but among them was a key demand regarding the cast.
Posting a picture of a clapperboard reading “Death in Paradise 15,” the caption of the post read: “We’re back in paradise!
“Filming has begun this week in Guadeloupe on the brand-new series of #DeathInParadise.”
Loyal fans will know the only current character who’s been in the show since its debut back in 2011 is Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, played by fan favourite Don Warrington.
While he’s known as a Death in Paradise stalwart, the latest series seemed to indicate the commissioner might be leaving the island soon.
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One of the key plots of recent episodes was the fact that Patterson’s job was being phased out, with the team’s bosses determined to remove his role in the Saint Marie police force.
The series saw him packing up his office for his “replacement,” Sterling Fox, to take over. After a dramatic twist unfolded, though, Patterson was offered his job back but refused.
While it’s unknown whether or not Warrington’s character will change his mind and decide to stay, fans have made their thoughts very clear in the comments, with many begging for the show not to remove the iconic character.
One wrote: “Needs @donbwarrington to be there or missing a huge talent!” while another commented: “Selwyn better be staying, the show needs his presence!”
Another responded to the news but also echoed the previous sentiments, writing: “Amazing news. Can’t wait. I miss them all (hopefully The Comissioner is back) @donbwarrington.”
“Oooh I’m so excited! Please let’s have an amazing Christmas episode!! Love this show! Need Commissioner Patterson back though!” another penned.
A particularly passionate comment read: “DON’T BOTHER WITHOUT THE COMMISSIONER, HE WAS THE GLUE THAT KEPT THE SHOW ALIVE. ALSO THE REASON CAST FROM THE PAST COULD RETURN. CATHERINE CAN’T BE THE REASON FOR ANY BUT HER DAUGHTER.”
“Do we think selwyn will stay??” someone else pondered, with one more expressing their delight at the news, sharing: “Wooooohoooooo. Don Gilet is a FANTASTIC DI.” (sic)
Similar comments were issued last month when viewers initially responded to scenes of the characters potential exit.
When asked about his decision to decline the position, Patterson confessed during the episode: “I don’t know, but it felt wrong to say yes, too much has happened and right now, I can’t see a way to get back to how things were.”
The commissioner’s choice came as a shock to viewers who had followed his struggle to regain his post throughout the season.
Patterson went on to reveal plans to visit his daughter Andrina, played by Genesis Lynea, though he remained vague about how long he would be away for, leaving his storyline on a bit of a cliffhanger.