Death in Paradise cast: Who stars in season 15 of the BBC murder mystery?
Our guide to the stars – past and present – of the popular island detective series.
Death in Paradise returns to the BBC for season 15 and the team once again have a "myriad of baffling cases" to investigate.
Selwyn Patterson has also resumed his role as the commissioner, but is forced to "confront the impact of his recent period of absence".
"After some tough love from old friend Catherine Bordey, he’s determined to win back the trust of the island," reads the official synopsis.
And following the departure of Ginny Holder's Darlene Curtis, the team also have a new team member, Sergeant Mattie Fletcher, who is guaranteed to shake up proceedings.
But it's not just workplace drama.
Mervin is also excited to meet his half-brother Solomon, but it's not quite the introduction he hoped for or envisaged.
"Well, I think phrases like ‘two peas in a pod’, do not apply. They couldn't be more opposite," said Gilet. "There’s Mervin and then there’s this guy who is on the opposite side of the tracks, potentially the opposite side of the law too. There's just something that Mervin can't quite put his finger on.
"He's having to accept that whatever his notions were about what Solomon could be like, it might not be like that. Daniel Ward plays the character brilliantly."
Alongside the main cast, several new guest stars have also been drafted in for the new instalment, some of whom you might recognise from other shows.
Read more:
- Death in Paradise star says Ginny Holder's exit was a "surprise" – but "these things happen"
- Death in Paradise season 14 teased an exciting Catherine development – but season 15 won't deliver
For more information about where you've seen the cast before and who they play, read on.
Death in Paradise cast
The main cast of Death in Paradise season 15 is as follows:
- Don Warrington as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson
- Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson
- Shantol Jackson as DS Naomi Thomas
- Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey
- Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Officer Sebastian Rose
- Catherine Garton as Sergeant Mattie Fetcher
- Daniel Ward as Solomon Clarke
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For more information about the characters and where you've seen the cast before, read on.
Don Warrington plays Commissioner Selwyn Patterson
Who is Commissioner Selwyn Patterson? After being dismissed from his role as commissioner last season, Selwyn was eventually offered his job back when those in charge realised they had made a serious mistake. However, he chose not to return and remains retired — but could he still have a change of heart?
"Apparently there has been an outcry," Don Warrington previously said of the reaction to the teasing of a potential exit for his character.
"It's flattering, and I would be dishonest if I said it wasn't. But it came as a surprise to realise how deeply the characters had got into the consciousness of the public."
What else has Don Warrington been in? Warrington has appeared in countless productions on stage and screen. with highlights including playing Philip in Rising Damp, and appearing in Doctor Who's Rise of the Cybermen back in 2006. In 2008, he took part in Strictly Come Dancing, in which he was partnered with Lilia Kopylova.
Don Gilet plays DI Mervin Wilson
Who is DI Mervin Wilson? The detective inspector travelled to Saint Marie in the 2024 Christmas special to meet his mother for the first time, only to be drawn into the team’s latest investigation. He soon learned that his mother had been murdered, and ultimately helped bring her killer to justice. But just as he was preparing to leave the island and return to London, he made a shocking discovery — he has a brother…
Speaking about his relationship to the island in season 15, Gilet said: "Just by his nature and the way he is when it comes to his work and the way that his mind works, there’s always going to be a bit of kickback with the people he deals with. Last year, there was this antagonism between Mervin and the team because they just worked in very different ways, and both had to earn the respect of each other in the way they work.
"And let's not forget, he didn't want to be on the island, so he was going to be particularly reluctant to work with these people because of the personal issues he was dealing with. But as time has moved on, he's realised that he needs these people. They are now gelling, they're working as a team."
What else has Don Gilet been in? He's best known for EastEnders, Holby City and 55 Degrees North. You might also recognise him from Shetland, Sherwood, The Stranger and The Loch.
Shantol Jackson plays DS Naomi Thomas
Who is DS Naomi Thomas? Sergeant Thomas joined in season 11 and fast became an integral member of the team. Speaking about her relationship with Mervin, Thomas said: "They’re better colleagues. Naomi has a better understanding of who Mervin is and how he works. They’ve both had to adapt to one another, but Naomi is now someone Mervin would go to for guidance, like with the relationship he had with the Commissioner. He's very comfortable opening up with Naomi."
What else has Shantol Jackson been in? Death in Paradise was something of a career breakthrough for Jackson, but she previously appeared in a small role in Idris Elba's film Yardie and had a main part in 2018 sports movie Sprinter.
Élizabeth Bourgine plays Catherine Bordey
Who is Catherine Bordey? Catherine Bordey is the island's mayor and owns her own beachfront bar. "There is always a different side that we can discover from Catherine," said Bourgine. "What I love about Catherine is that she is a woman in her 60s who is independent and fighting for what she believes in. It’s important that Catherine as a character reminds those who are watching to always pursue what they want."
What else has Élizabeth Bourgine been in? Like Jobert, Élizabeth Bourgine is French and has appeared in several shows and movies in her home country, including Private Lessons, A Heart in Winter and My Best Friend.
Shaquille Ali-Yebuah plays Officer Sebastian Rose
Who is Officer Sebastian Rose? Officer Seb Rose joined the team in season 14. "Seb has learnt so much from Mervin and his English ways, and he's also learnt a lot from Naomi and the Commissioner," said Ali-Yebuah. "He's added everything that he's learnt to his arsenal going forward. Every time he learns a lesson, he really takes it on board, so he doesn't make the same mistake again. He’s very determined to be the best and works things out in his own unique way. He doesn't let his fidgety brain stop him. We also see what everyone thought was a weakness is an advantage for him."
What else has Shaquille Ali-Yebuah been in? His credits include CBBC show Dixi, football comedy The First Team, sci-fi drama The Feed, sci-fi superhero film iBoy, and Channel 4 comedy I Hate You.
Catherine Garton plays Sergeant Mattie Fletcher
Who is Sergeant Mattie Fletcher? Saint Marie PD's new sergeant. "Audiences can expect some action, someone who's lovable and who's trying their best, but almost to a fault," said Garton. "She has something to prove to herself and to others and sometimes she can do that to her detriment, but it comes from a place of passion. They will see ups, downs and lots of sass!"
What else has Catherine Garton been in? You might recognise her from The War Between the Land and the Sea.
Daniel Ward plays Solomon Clarke
Who is Solomon Clarke? Mervin's half brother. "Mervin's newfound familial happiness soon turns to frustration as he discovers the pair are not quite as similar as he hoped they might be," reads the official synopsis.
What else has Daniel Ward been in? His credits include Everything Now, Mood and This Is Going to Hurt.
Death in Paradise season 15 guest stars
Episode 1
- Steffan Rhodri (Gavin & Stacey) plays George McCann - a businessman who has commandeered Government House.
- Will Close (Dalgliesh) plays Kevin Felton - he worked for George as a tech consultant before being found dead.
- Maxine Finch (The Bay) plays Rosalie Dolor - a Government House employee.
- Sarah Hadland (Miranda) plays Deborah Shelman - George's operational manager.
- Louis Davison (Find Me in Paris) plays Leo Quinn - he's interning at Government House. George is his dad.
Death in Paradise former cast members
Ben Miller played Richard Poole
Who is Richard Poole? The first lead detective to feature on Death in Paradise, Richard Poole was a very accomplished detective – who was shockingly murdered in the first episode of season 3.
What else has Ben Miller been in? Miller is well known as one half of the comedy double act Armstrong and Miller alongside Alexander Armstrong, while other major titles include Professor T, Bridgerton, Suspect and Paddington.
Kris Marshall played Humphrey Goodman
Who is Humphrey Goodman? Poole's replacement on Saint Marie, Humphrey Goodman arrived on the island in season 3 and became chief inspector. He enjoyed life in Saint Marie and was known for solving mysteries very quickly. He left to start a new chapter with his girlfriend Martha and they now have their own spin-off, Beyond Paradise.
What else has Kris Marshall been in? Marshall is best known for My Family, Love, Actually and Sanditon.
Ardal O'Hanlon played Jack Mooney
Who is Jack Mooney? The third lead detective in the show's run, Mooney took over from Goodman and was a friendly and unassuming inspector. He was planning to travel the world with his love interest Anna, hut instead headed back to London to spend more time with his daughter. Jack recently popped up in Australian Death in Paradise spin-off Return to Paradise.
What else has Ardal O'Hanlon been in? O'Hanlon's credits include Father Ted, My Hero, Extraordinary, The Woman in the Wall and Derry Girls, in addition to his successful stand-up career.
Ralf Little played Neville Parker
Who is Neville Parker? Neville Parker followed on from Jack Mooney as the show's lead detective.
In season 11, sparks were flying between Neville and holidaymaker Sophie, but their love story crashed and burned when it emerged that she was on a mission to destroy him as revenge for the death of her sister – who Neville had arrested many years ago. Following that ordeal, he looked set to leave, but Neville stayed until the end of season 13, before sailing off into the sunset with Florence Cassell.
What else has Ralf Little been in? Before joining the cast of Death in Paradise back in 2020, Little was best known for his roles on sitcoms The Royle Family and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.
Joséphine Jobert played Florence Cassell
Who is Florence Cassell? Florence worked alongside Neville in the Saint Marie police force as a detective sergeant and had something of a will-they / won't-they romance with the detective. But she later told him that she only saw him as a friend. Florence then left Saint Marie due to being in danger after exposing a major big-time criminal, but she popped up in season 13 after exiting witness protection and appeared to have developed feelings for Neville. After some more will-they / won't-they action, the pair decided to go travelling together.
What else has Joséphine Jobert been in? Alongside Death in Paradise, she has appeared on a number of TV shows in her homeland France including Cut, Summer Crush and Saint-Ex, nos années pension.
Tahj Miles played Marlon Pryce
Who is Marlon Pryce? Marlon was first seen on Death in Paradise as a petty criminal who spent his days scamming tourists, before becoming an officer with the local police force. In season 13, his sister received a scholarship to a school in Jamaica and with their mum unable to accompany her, he volunteered to go instead.
What else has Tahj Miles been in? Miles recently starred in Mr Loverman. He previously appeared as part of the main cast on Class Dismissed, and also had a role in Steve McQueen's Mangrove – part of the Small Axe series of films on BBC One.
Ginny Holder played Darlene Curtis
Who is Darlene Curtis? We first met Darlene in season 7 when she entered the frame as Dwayne Myers's love interest. She was initially the police station's office admin, but then trained to become an officer.
"She goes from trainee to Officer extraordinaire, which is major for her," said Holder. "She's still quite feisty. She can never lose that because it's so needed."
What else has Ginny Holder been in? Holder is best known for her role in Holby City, but has also starred in Doctors, DCI Banks, The Capture and Ragdoll.
Sara Martins played Camille Bordey
Who is Camille Bordey? A Detective Sergeant who worked under both Richard Poole and Humphrey Goodman, Camille is the daughter of Catherine. She was departed the island after being assigned an undercover job in Paris.
What else has Sara Martins been in? Martins has appeared in a number of series both in the UK and in France including Father Brown, Grand Hôteland, The Coroner and Those About to Die.
Danny John-Jules played Dwayne Myers
Who is Dwayne Myers? Dwayne was a long-serving police officer at Honoré Police Station, appearing in 57 episodes of the show – and knew the island of Saint Marie better than anyone. He previously left to spend time with his estranged father in London, who was ill. He did briefly return in the 2021 Christmas special, before exiting once again. But he then returned and remained on the show until the 2024 festive episode, before leaving once more to spend quality time with his old man.
What else has Danny John-Jules been in? John-Jules is best known for Red Dwarf, while other credits include a role on CBBC children's spy drama MI High and CBeebies series The Story Makers.
Tobi Bakare played JP Hooper
Who is JP Hooper? A sergeant who is close friends with Dwayne Myers, JP had always dreamed of being a diligent and hard working police officer. He left to take on a new job, but returned briefly in season 13, and again at the beginning of season 14 for a particularly troubling case.
What else has Tobi Bakare been in? Bakare played Jamal in the first two Kingsman films and has also had regular roles on The Tunnel and The Smoke.
Gary Carr played Fidel Best
Who is Fidel Best? Originally an officer – before being promoted to Sergeant, Fidel was a young investigator who was known for his organisational abilities and his eagerness to impress. He went on to work in St Lucia.
What else has Gary Carr been in? Since leaving Death in Paradise in 2014, Carr has had major roles in a number of series including The Deuce, Genius and Trigonometry as well as appearing in four episodes of Downton Abbey and films including Bolden and 21 Bridges.
Aude Legastelois Bidé played Madeleine Dumas
Who is Madeleine Dumas? A Detective Sergeant who worked alongside Jack Mooney, arrived in Saint Marie after living in Paris for most of her life. She moved back to Paris after being offered a promotion.
What else has Aude Legastelois Bidé been in? Legastelois Bidé has also appeared in episodes of Nox and The Hookup Plan.
Shyko Amos played Ruby Patterson
Who is Ruby Patterson? An officer who replaced Dwayne Myers on the Honoré Police Station team, Ruby was just starting her career in the police – and is the niece of Commissioner Selwyn Patterson. After a trip to Paris, she decided to remain there permanently.
What else has Shyko Amos been in? Besides Death in Paradise, Amos's most high-profile appearance to date was in an episode of A Very English Scandal in 2018.
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Death in Paradise season 15 premieres on 30th January at 9pm on BBC One and 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.
