Death in Paradise confirms season 15 departure of long-running fan-favourite
One familiar face won't be back on Saint Marie for the new episodes.
It's been confirmed that Ginny Holder has officially left Death in Paradise.
The news was announced via the show's social channels, where they thanked the actor for her contributions as Darlene Curtis and wished her all the best.
Darlene first appeared in season 7 of the BBC murder mystery as Dwayne Myers's love interest, who worked as the police station's office admin. But she quickly outgrew that role, successfully training to become a police officer and an integral member of the team.
"She goes from trainee to officer extraordinaire, which is major for her," said Holder at the time. "She's still quite feisty. She can never lose that because it's so needed."
But in last year's Christmas special, she only popped up briefly via mobile phone screen as her character was said to be away caring for her sick aunt.
And in the season 15 premiere, which airs on Friday 30th January, we're told she won't be back for the foreseeable – although the team behind the show hinted that the door has been left open for her to return in the announcement below.
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While no details have been given as to why she's exited the show, Holder is set to return for season 3 of BBC's The Capture, so scheduling could have played a part.
But when one door closes (for the time being, at least) another opens, with season 15 set to welcome a brand new character, Sergeant Mattie Fletcher, who is guaranteed to shake up proceedings.
Mattie "has some maverick tendencies", explained actor Catherine Garton. "So she can act on impulse sometimes because she's a bit of a thrill-seeker, which can get her into trouble every now and then."
Don Gilet echoed those sentiments, describing Mattie as "very professional" while also highlighting her "unorthodox way of working," which fosters "a kind of mutual respect" between the sergeant and Mervin, given his own left-field tendencies.
"I work at odds with the way everyone else does, even though sometimes it's to the detriment of the team – it may be dangerous what you're doing," he added.
"That's where you see that professional side of him going, 'That's not the way to do things.'
"But there are some nuanced moments where I think there's a respect for, 'You will go the extra mile, even though it might be dangerous.'"
"Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson) and Officer Sebastian Rose (Shaquille Ali-Yebuah) help new recruit Sergeant Mattie Fletcher (Catherine Garton) find her feet," reads the official synopsis. "But with shadows from Mattie's past beginning to surface, her arrival may bring more complications than anyone bargained for".
Elsewhere, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) returns to the island, but is left facing the consequences of his recent absence.
After some no-nonsense advice from old friend Catherine Bordey (Elizabeth Bourgine), Selwyn sets out to rebuild trust – though winning back Saint Marie may prove easier said than done, the logline continues.
Meanwhile, Mervin attempts to connect with his recently discovered half-brother Solomon (Daniel Ward), but quickly grows frustrated when he realises the pair are not quite as similar as he had hoped.
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The main cast will also be joined by a number of new guest stars, as is tradition, including Happy Valley favourite Siobhan Finneran and EastEnders' original Vicki Fowler star Scarlett Alice Johnson, alongside Spooks' Hermione Norris, Gavin & Stacey's Steffan Rhodri and Ghosts co-creator and star Ben Willbond.
Rounding out the guest cast for season 15 are Sarah Hadland (Horrible Histories), Gary Wilmot (Midsomer Murders), Tim McMullan (Shakespeare in Love), Julian Rhind-Tutt (Green Wing), Ace Bhatti (Malpractice), Louis Davison (Vikings: Valhalla), Sean Delaney (Killing Eve), Lizzie Davidson (Such Brave Girls), Kojo Kamara (The Outlaws), Layo-Christina Akinlude (The Stolen Girl), Sandra James-Young (Wild Cherry), Phoebe Sparrow and Antonia Bernath (both Downton Abbey), Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge (Rematch).
Read more:
- Death in Paradise legend Don Warrington talks "outcry" to Selwyn’s departure - and whether he’ll leave the show
- Beyond Paradise stars tease Humphrey and Martha’s next chapter – including whether they’ll foster again
Death in Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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Authors
Abby Robinson is the Drama Editor for Radio Times, covering TV drama and comedy titles. She previously worked at Digital Spy as a TV writer, and as a content writer at Mumsnet. She possesses a postgraduate diploma and a degree in English Studies.
