Death in Paradise season 14: Release date speculation, cast and latest news

"It is a programme that goes from strength to strength, and I could not be happier that it will return."

Read on for everything you need to know about Death in Paradise season 14.

Death in Paradise 14 release date speculation: When could it air?

Expect another Christmas special followed by the new season in early 2025.

The show typically airs in January, although season 13 landed on screens in early February, so it remains to be seen exactly when season 14 will make its debut.

Death in Paradise 14 cast news: Who's returning?

In huge news, we've seen the last of Ralf Little's DI Neville Parker, who waved goodbye to Saint Marie at the end of season 13 with Joséphine Jobert's Detective Sergeant Florence Cassell in tow.

"My time on Saint Marie has come to an end – what an end!" said the actor in a statement. "New adventures await Neville, and he got to sail away into the sunset with his best friend. Who knows what happens for them next!

"I want to say an enormous thank you to everyone who watched and supported the show when I arrived four and a half years ago. Coming into a series beloved by millions was a huge responsibility and I had no idea whether viewers would take to my interpretation of Neville's character, and indeed to me.

"It was quite a relief that the response has been overwhelming, and it's been an absolute privilege and a pleasure to bring Neville Parker to all of you and to share his quite profound journey with you.

"I can't thank you all enough for the support over the last four and a half years. It's been one of the most magical and profound experiences of my entire life. The team that makes Death in Paradise - the producers, writers, directors, crew, guest cast and my magnificent co-stars - they know what they're doing, and the future is in good hands.

"I can’t wait to see what happens next. It’s been the ride of a lifetime."

Executive producer Tim Key added: "Joining a successful show like Death in Paradise as the lead is a daunting and risky prospect, but Ralf's confidence and talent shone through from day one and the audience response to Neville and his journey has been amazing.

"I can't thank Ralf enough for everything he has brought to the show, on and off screen, and wish him all the very best for the future."

But who will replace him? Speaking previously to RadioTimes.com, Little spoke about the "possibility" of the show being led by a female detective.

"The show is extremely positive and brave in its choices," he said. "And if they feel like that's the right next move, then that's what they’ll do. The creative team at [series producers] Red Planet knows that show so well now that they'll always make a decision based on what's good for the show, and what's good for the fan base. I certainly wouldn't rule it out. Never say never."

He added: "'Never say never' implies that it’s unlikely. The honest answer is: I don't know. It's certainly a possibility. Whatever they decide, it'll be a good decision."

As for the rest of the cast, we'd expect the following to return:

• Don Warrington as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson
• Shantol Jackson as Sergeant Naomi Thomas
• Ginny Holder as Darlene Curtis
• Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey

But it remains to be seen if Danny John-Jules's Dwayne Myers will be sticking around, and if there will be any other additions to the team.

And you can also expect a new batch of guest stars, too, as the team tackle a raft of new cases each week.

All 13 seasons of Death in Paradise are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what else is on.

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