Death In Paradise Welcomes New Star For Season 15

It’s that time of year again: the sun-drenched shores of Saint Marie are buzzing with intrigue, drama, and a dash of sass as Death in Paradise returns for its fifteenth season. On January 30, 2026, viewers tuned in to BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 9pm, eager to see what mysteries—and new faces—await the beloved island police force. After a decade and a half, the show remains as vibrant as ever, mixing familiar favorites with a fresh twist that promises to keep even the most seasoned fans guessing.

The biggest shakeup this season? The arrival of Sergeant Mattie Fletcher, played by Catherine Garton. Stepping onto the island after Darlene Curtis’s (Ginny Holder) emotional departure, Mattie is more than just a new recruit. She’s been described as “sassy, fun, like your big sister who will tell you what’s what, but you can also come to her if you need to,” Garton told Express. “She’s very passionate about things, about her work and about the people that she grows to love, especially in the team. She’s also very determined, almost too determined sometimes.”

Mattie’s introduction isn’t just about adding another uniform to the Saint Marie squad. According to Don Gilet, who returns as DI Mervin Wilson, “There’s definitely something of a rebel in Mattie. We haven’t had that rebellious element, really. She’s a bit younger, probably a similar age, give or take, to Officer Seb Rose, but she’s seen a lot more. She’s a sergeant and she’s more experienced and is always on the front foot, whereas Seb is going through his rookie stripes. It’s great seeing how the two of them connect—there’s a nurturing side as well as a rebellious side. She’s a great addition to the team.”

Garton’s own journey to the show is a story in itself. Fresh off roles in The Gray House, Ibiza Narcos, and the Doctor Who spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea, the actress was shopping in TK Maxx when her agent called with the big news. “I was in the shoe section, one shoe off, sliding another one on and my agent called me and told me. It was a moment!” she recalled, as reported by Express. Filming in Guadeloupe, which stands in for the fictional Saint Marie, only added to the excitement. “I loved it—everyone was really welcoming. Before going to Guadeloupe, I didn’t quite know what to anticipate, then it exceeded any expectations I could have had. I love the island. Guadeloupe is like a postcard. It’s quite unreal. Every time I walked out I was like ‘this exists, wow!’ It’s absolutely stunning. Everyone’s nice. I love the culture. The food’s great. Everyone I work with is great. I don’t have any complaints!”

Joining Mattie in the new season is a cast that blends the familiar and the new. Don Gilet continues to anchor the series as DI Mervin Wilson. His character’s journey has been anything but straightforward: initially arriving during the 2024 Christmas special in search of the mother he never met, Mervin found himself unexpectedly putting down roots on the island. Now, as season 15 begins, he’s tackling a personal mystery after discovering he has a half-brother—Solomon Clarke, played by Daniel Ward. The dynamic between the two is set to add an emotional layer to the usual whodunits, with Mervin learning that “sharing DNA doesn’t guarantee harmony.”

Ward, a rising talent with credits in TV dramas like Mood and This Is Going to Hurt, and stage roles in Tambo & Bones and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, brings a fresh energy to the ensemble. His character’s presence promises to shake up not only Mervin’s world but the entire team’s dynamic.

Of course, some things never change. Don Warrington reprises his iconic role as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, the tough-minded but deeply loyal leader of the Royal Saint Marie Police Force. Warrington’s career, stretching back to the 1970s sitcom Rising Damp, lends gravitas and continuity to the show. Elizabeth Bourgine returns as Catherine Bordey, the ever-hospitable bar owner and, since season six, the Mayor of Saint Marie. Shantol Jackson is back as Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas, a driven officer from a neighboring island, while Shaquille Ali-Yebuah continues as Officer Sebastian Rose, still learning the ropes but eager to prove himself.

But that’s not all—season 15 boasts a guest list that reads like a who’s who of British television. Sarah Hadland, beloved for her roles in Horrible Histories and Miranda, appears as Deborah Shelman. Steffan Rhodri, familiar to many as Dave Coaches in Gavin & Stacey and Lord Hobert Hightower in House of the Dragon, takes on the role of George McCann. Maxine Finch plays Rosalie Dolor, Will Close appears as Kevin Felton, and Louis Davison (of Vikings: Valhalla and Poldark fame) steps in as Leo Quinn. These guest stars, alongside others like Gary Wilmot, Tim McMullan, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Ace Bhatti, and more, ensure that each episode is packed with talent and surprises.

The show’s enduring popularity lies not just in its sun-soaked setting or twisty plots, but in its ability to evolve. The addition of Mattie Fletcher, with her blend of experience, determination, and vulnerability, signals a new era for the Saint Marie team. As Garton put it, “Audiences can expect some action. Someone who’s lovable and who’s trying their best, but almost to a fault. 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!”

Filming on location in Guadeloupe isn’t just a treat for the actors—it’s a visual feast for audiences, too. The island’s postcard-perfect landscapes and vibrant culture provide a backdrop that’s as much a character as any member of the cast. For Garton, the experience was transformative: “It was intimidating at first, because this is the biggest kind of role I’ve ever had, but everyone was just so nice and so welcoming. I remember the first time I saw Shantol and the biggest smile ever. I feel like I have family there now.”

With its blend of old favorites and bold new additions, Death in Paradise season 15 is shaping up to be a standout. Whether you’re here for the mysteries, the camaraderie, or just the breathtaking views, Saint Marie has never looked—or felt—more alive.