Death in Paradise season 15: Release date and latest news

Death in Paradise returns to the BBC for season 15 — and Selwyn Patterson has officially resumed his role as commissioner.

And breathe...

"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."

Fear turned to joy when it was confirmed in the Christmas special that Selwyn would be back doing what he does best: "Gliding around being charming and sort of slightly obtuse," as Kris Marshall previously told RadioTimes.com.

However, he's shocked to learn that things haven't stood still while he's been away.

Find out what's been happening, plus who'll be joining him and when you can watch season 15 below.

Death in Paradise season 15 release date: When will it air?

The 15th season of the murder mystery will premiere on Friday 30th January at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Death in Paradise season 15 cast: Who's returning?

Don Warrington returns as Selwyn Patterson after deciding to take his job back in last year's Christmas special.

He will be joined by Don Gilet's Mervin Wilson, who was all set to head back to London, but is now staying put following a major revelation (more on that in a bit).

We'd also expect to see the following faces:

• Shantol Jackson as Naomi Thomas
• Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Sebastian Rose
• Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey

Plus, Catherine Garton has joined the cast as new sergeant Mattie Fletcher. She has replaced Ginny Holder, who will not be returning as Darlene Curtis.

And Mervin's half-brother Solomon is played by Daniel Ward (Everything Now).

There are also several new guest stars, who are guaranteed to shake up proceedings.

Familiar faces include Happy Valley favourite Siobhan Finneran and EastEnders' original Vicki Fowler star Scarlett Alice Johnson, who join an impressive line-up that also includes 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 (Downton Abbey)
• Antonia Bernath (Downton Abbey)
• Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge (Rematch)

What could happen in Death in Paradise season 15?

According to the official synopsis: "Whilst attempting to connect with his recently discovered half-brother Solomon (Daniel Ward), 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.

"Elsewhere, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) is left facing the consequences of his recent absence from the island. 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."

And there's also the addition of new recruit Sergeant Mattie Fletcher (Catherine Garton), who Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson) and Officer Sebastian Rose (Shaquille Ali-Yebuah) are tasked with looking after.

"With shadows from Mattie's past beginning to surface, her arrival may bring more complications than anyone bargained for," continues the synopsis.

Death in Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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