Death in Paradise cast explain how "great loss" of "irreplaceable" Selwyn will impact the series

The departure of Commissioner Selwyn Patterson at the end of season 14 of Death in Paradise left fans reeling – and it turns out the characters on-screen are feeling that loss just as keenly.

After decades of service to Saint Marie, Selwyn (played by Don Warrington) chose not to return to his role as commissioner following his reinstatement, instead opting to take time for himself after what has been an intensely turbulent chapter in his life.

While the door has been left firmly open for a possible return, his absence will be keenly felt when the show continues.

Speaking about the impact of Selwyn’s exit, current lead Don Gilet, who plays DI Mervin Wilson, explained just how pivotal the commissioner was to the team – and particularly to Mervin.

"You see how it impacts the characters, thinking that somebody who has employed them and has been there seemingly forever suddenly goes, 'well, I'm off, I don't want to do this anymore'," Gilet said.

He continued: "Selwyn has been the only one that really gets Mervin from a paternal perspective. He's the only one that he’s shared his demons and fears with and he’s always a step ahead.

"It’s certainly a great loss, that feeling that the person who you can always go to isn’t going to be there anymore. It’s left an emotional hole in the team and it’s going to be interesting for audiences to see how they survive without him."

Selwyn’s quiet authority and wry wisdom have been a constant presence on the show since its very first episode, making his departure one of the most significant changes the series has ever faced. And it’s not just Mervin who will struggle to adapt.

DS Naomi Thomas actor Shantol Jackson echoed those sentiments, describing the commissioner as far more than a boss to the Honoré Police Department.

"Whenever someone leaves, like the previous Inspector, we just have to get on with things, but it’s obviously not the same," she said. "The town itself misses the Commissioner and his energy. There’s certainly a sense of loss – the Commissioner had become more than just a boss to us.

"He was like a friend, sometimes like an uncle, and sometimes even like a father. That wisdom he offered is irreplaceable – he’s left a gap that cannot be filled."

Viewers last saw Selwyn depart Saint Marie after encouraging Mervin to reconnect with his brother and sharing a touching farewell with Catherine Bordey – one that very deliberately stopped short of finality. With Warrington recently reprising the role in the Beyond Paradise Christmas special, hope remains that Selwyn may yet return in some capacity.

His absence will be keenly felt when Death in Paradise returns for its 2025 Christmas special, which sees Mervin and the team faced with a baffling locked-room mystery after a stranger is found dead in a Caribbean villa pool – with the murder weapon somehow sealed in a drawer thousands of miles away in Swindon.

Alongside Gilet, Jackson, Ginny Holder, Shaquille Ali-Yebuah and Élizabeth Bourgine, the special will also feature guest stars including Josie Lawrence, Kate Ashfield, and Pearl Mackie.

Death in Paradise's 2025 Christmas special airs tonight (Sunday 28th December) at 8.30pm on BBC One.

Watch a trailer for the latest season below.

Read more:

• Death in Paradise's Don Warrington says fans are "right to worry" about Selwyn following major decision
• Death in Paradise's Don Gilet responds to character criticism: 'I don't have to defend Mervin'

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