Death In Paradise Shakes Up Cast With Season 15 Debut

Death in Paradise, the BBC’s beloved Caribbean crime drama, returned to screens on January 30, 2026, with its season 15 premiere on BBC One and iPlayer. Fans were eager to see what twists and turns awaited the Saint Marie police team, but the episode delivered more than just another murder mystery—it introduced new faces, bid farewell to a fan favorite, and set the stage for fresh family drama that’s sure to keep viewers hooked all season long.

The episode wasted no time diving into its signature whodunnit, but one of the first mysteries wasn’t about the crime itself—it was the abrupt absence of Officer Darlene Curtis, played by Ginny Holder. For seven years, Darlene had brought warmth, humor, and relatability to the show, endearing herself to the audience. Yet, as Digital Spy reported, her departure was handled with little fanfare. When Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) returned to his post and inquired, “Where is officer Curtis?” the answer from DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) was swift and understated: “She’s over at Montserrat looking after her aunty. I don’t think she’ll be back for the foreseeable.”

That was it—no emotional send-off, no toast at Catherine’s bar, not even a fleeting farewell scene. The matter was dropped as quickly as it was raised, leaving some fans feeling that Darlene’s exit deserved more recognition, especially after such a long tenure. According to Digital Spy, the official Death in Paradise Instagram account hinted that the door remains open for Holder’s return, echoing the show’s on-screen explanation. Still, for many, it was a bittersweet way to say goodbye to a beloved character.

Despite this, the episode didn’t miss a beat in delivering the elements that have made Death in Paradise a staple of British television. The return of Selwyn Patterson from London to his role as Commissioner added a sense of continuity and authority, while the murder mystery itself—though described as "run-of-the-mill" by Digital Spy—was enlivened by the show’s ever-eclectic cast.

But the real shake-up came with the arrival of two new characters: Sergeant Mattie Fletcher (Catherine Garton) and Solomon, Mervin’s half-brother, portrayed by Daniel Ward. Mattie, stepping into the role of sergeant, immediately stood out. She’s outspoken, confident, and likeable, sharing some traits with Darlene but bringing her own mysterious edge to the team. Garton’s performance was lauded for balancing warmth and assertiveness, while also hinting at hidden trauma—a combination that promises to keep viewers intrigued as the season unfolds.

Solomon’s debut, meanwhile, injected a whole new dynamic into the show. As reported by the BBC, this is the first time viewers have seen Mervin meet his half-brother, and the contrast between the two is striking. Don Gilet, who plays Mervin, described the relationship in a press interview: “Mervin and Solomon as brothers couldn’t be any more opposed, which makes the drama, which makes the entertainment.” Gilet explained that Mervin, who has always craved family, is suddenly confronted with a sibling who is “so opposite him in every way possible. He’s a larger-than-life character.”

Solomon’s easy-going, unpredictable nature is at odds with Mervin’s love of routine and order, setting up a classic odd-couple scenario. Gilet added, “It’s just at odds with everything, every which way, that Mervin would like a brother to be. And I think it’s enjoyable watching how they work together, or not, as the case may be. He’s now wondering, be careful what you wish for.”

The friction between the brothers is palpable from their very first scenes together. Solomon’s penchant for trouble and unpredictability brings a new level of excitement and discomfort to Mervin’s world, and their interactions are already being hailed as a highlight of the season. As Digital Spy noted, “His chaotic nature is so staunchly different to the orderly Mervin that you can feel the squirmy discomfort coming from the detective, which makes their interactions a joy to watch.”

Of course, the new season isn’t just about departures and family drama. Death in Paradise season 15 boasts an impressive roster of returning and guest stars. Alongside Don Warrington’s Commissioner Selwyn and Catherine Bordey (Elizabeth Bourgine), the regular cast includes Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Sebastian Rose and Shantol Jackson as DS Naomi Thomas. The guest list is equally star-studded, featuring Happy Valley’s Siobhan Finneran, Steffan Rhodri (Gavin & Stacey), Sean Delaney (Killing Eve), Sarah Hadland (Miranda), Hermione Norris (Cold Feet), Julian Rhind-Tutt (Green Wing), Scarlett Alice Johnson (EastEnders), Ben Willbond (Ghosts), and West End favorite Gary Wilmot.

The introduction of Catherine Garton as Sergeant Mattie Fletcher is particularly significant. Her character’s blend of assertiveness and vulnerability is already drawing comparisons to Darlene, but with an added layer of mystery. As Digital Spy observed, “Where Darlene had an openness to her personality, there is something secretive and mysterious about Mattie that instantly intrigues.” This fresh energy is exactly what long-running series like Death in Paradise need to keep things feeling new without losing the heart that made fans fall in love in the first place.

For those who can’t get enough, the BBC has made not only Death in Paradise but also its spin-offs, Beyond Paradise and Return to Paradise, available for streaming on BBC iPlayer. It’s a testament to the show’s enduring popularity and its ability to reinvent itself season after season, even as it says goodbye to familiar faces and welcomes new ones into the fold.

As the sun sets on Saint Marie and the mysteries keep coming, one thing is clear: Death in Paradise remains as entertaining and unpredictable as ever. With the promise of more family drama, intriguing new characters, and the ever-present possibility of old favorites returning, fans have plenty to look forward to this season.