Death in Paradise season 14 has finally arrived on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with ex-EastEnders star Don Gilet playing the new leading man, Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson.
Don was first seen as Mervin in the Death in Paradise 2024 Christmas special.
Don, who's also enjoyed parts in Sherwood, Shetland and Doctor Who, says: "Being offered the new lead role in Death in Paradise feels like a deeply loved and incredibly precious jewel has been placed in my hands. This is a big show, with a big heart and the love continually grows for it. It is my intention to never lose sight of that and to remain grateful, humbled and dedicated. Even during those testing times when every sinew is screaming at me to run off the set and dive into the sea, swimming pool or an ice-cold beer — whichever happens to be closer at the time!"
He recently added: "I am delighted to have returned to the wonderful island of Guadeloupe and this time to be stepping into the well-worn shoes of the Detective Inspector. It’s been a real pleasure filming such a beloved series alongside the hardworking cast and crew. I can’t wait for the fans to see how DI Mervin Wilson fares on the island, how he fits within the Saint Marie police team and what secrets may unfold...".
Ralf Little has departed the show as DI Neville Parker, leaving along with Florence in the final scenes of Death in Paradise season 13. Talking about leaving, Ralf said: "Coming into a series beloved by millions was a huge responsibility and I had no idea whether viewers would take to my interpretation of Neville's character, and indeed to me.
"It was quite a relief that the response has been overwhelming, and it’s been an absolute privilege and a pleasure to bring Neville Parker to all of you and to share his quite profound journey with you. I can't thank you all enough for the support over the last four and a half years. It’s been one of the most magical and profound experiences of my entire life. The team that makes Death in Paradise — the producers, writers, directors, crew, guest cast, and my magnificent co-stars — they know what they’re doing, and the future is in good hands. I can't wait to see what happens next. It’s been the ride of a lifetime".
Here's everything we know about season 14…
Death in Paradise season 14 release date
Death in Paradise season 14 began on Friday, January 31 on BBC One at 9 pm. It airs on Friday nights on BBC One, with episodes available on BBC iPlayer.
In the US, Death in Paradise season 14 lands on BritBox on Wednesday, February 19.
Death in Paradise cast
Don Gilet is the new lead, Detective Inspector Mervin WiIson. Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, and Élizabeth Bourgine are returning. Danny John-Jules featured in the Christmas special as Dwayne but there's no mention of him in the season 14 cast, so it looks like he's left the show again.
The guest stars include Tobi Bakare (Kingsman), reprising his role of Sergeant JP Hooper, Michelle Greenidge (Kaos), Joy Richardson (Dreamland), Stephen Odubola (Boiling Point), Anthony J. Abraham (The Acolyte), Simon Lennon (Our Girl), Bhavna Limbachia (Brassic), Adam James (The Day of The Jackal), David Avery (Gangs of London), Sofia Oxenham (A Very Royal Scandal), Patricia Allison (Sex Education), Imogen King (Love Rat), David Mumeni (Bridgerton), Madeline Appiah (In The Long Run), Siobhan Redmond (Two Doors Down), Chantelle Alle (Hijack), Rita Bernard-Shaw (The Power), Bobby Gordon (Three Little Birds), Tony Marshall (Casualty), Charlotte Spencer (The Gold), Tala Gouveia (McDonald & Dodds), Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge (Holby City), Gerard Horan (Detectorists), Judith Jacob (The Five), Lily Nichol (Renegade Nell), Lyndsey Marshal (Inside Man) and more.
Plot
The BBC teases: "We're transported back to the tropical island of Saint Marie, and this time with a new Detective Inspector in place — but will DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) remain in the job for long? Following the recently cracked case of ‘who shot the Santas?’, along with the revelation that his estranged mother has passed away, Mervin is ready to get back home and leave the island for good. But when a case close to the hearts of those at the station presents itself, is he tempted to extend his stay?
"As Mervin continues to ruffle feathers, the police team pull together to solve some of the island’s most confounding cases yet.
"Elsewhere, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) must deal with momentous news from the Chief Commissioner in Jamaica that rocks the police department to its very core. As an unexpected foe attempts to enforce the unfathomable, Catherine (Elizabeth Bourgine), in her role as Mayor, acts as the last line of defence in a battle to save the team as we know it. In an unexpected twist, Naomi (Shantol Jackson) finds herself at an emotional crossroads when an old flame from St Barnabas makes a surprising appearance on the island, while Darlene (Ginny Holder) becomes a mentor when a new officer joins the ranks, but is left questioning whether she’s the right person for the job. And with the opportunity to learn more about his mother’s life, Mervin begins to discover things may not be all that they seem in Saint Marie. As everything he thought he knew unravels, will his life ever be the same again?"
Talking about Mervin's mother, Don says: "Mervin must learn to deal with his mother’s death. He constantly goes from trying to move on to trying to figure it out exactly what might have happened again, if anything at all. Then he’s also got these cases to solve on a regular basis, he’s got his job to do.
"It’s great how the story has been written and unravels. There’s a possibility that there might have been some suspicious circumstances related to her death, but we don’t know for sure. The question is can he juggle the personal with the professional? Can he get the job done or will it become too much for him?"
What happens in episode 1?
Though the team members are looking forward to welcoming a new recruit into their midst, Mervin, in contrast, cannot wait to get away from the island. However, before he catches his flight, he becomes embroiled in the murder of a young man whose body has been recovered from a ravine. The case becomes more compelling when it is discovered the victim has left behind a mysterious message.
What happens in episode 2?
A game show contestant is stabbed during filming of the series's grand finale. In a baffling turn of events, the victim is murdered in mid-air whilst hurtling down a zip line. As various members of the TV crew come under suspicion, Mervin surprises his colleagues by signing a contract to prolong his stay on Saint Marie. However, he and Selwyn clash when it becomes clear Mervin has an ulterior motive for extending his visit. It also turns out that Selwyn has secrets of his own...
What happens in episode 3?
The BBC teases: "At the launch of her highly anticipated skincare product, a wellness business owner suddenly dies from an allergic reaction. But Mervin quickly deduces her death to be suspicious when, despite the presence of peanuts in her throat, the victim didn’t eat or drink anything. Meanwhile, Darlene struggles to train up newbie officer Seb Rose as they investigate an obscure party drug that’s doing the rounds on the island. And tensions run high as Selwyn battles devastating news, while Mervin begins to doubt his own instincts when he uncovers compelling evidence in his mother’s case."
What happens in episode 4?
A distillery owner is poisoned during a group tasting of his premium rum. However, the case is shrouded in mystery when it's revealed all the guests drank from the same bottle. Just how the killer could ensure only the victim would wind up dead is unclear. As Seb's unorthodox methods prove useful to the investigation, Mervin learns an important lesson in slowing down. The team must dig deep into the past, uncovering secrets that the suspects have gone to great lengths to bury in order to get to the bottom of the case.
Will Kris Marshall return as DI Humphrey Goodman?
Interesting one this. Kris Marshall is now starring as DI Humphrey Goodman in spin off Beyond Paradise, which has a third series on the way. So far Humphrey has returned to Saint Marie but it was in an episode of Beyond Paradise and not Saint Marie. Might this change in series 14? Perhaps the new detective might call on Humphrey for help on a case?
Will Joséphine Jobert return as Florence in Death in Paradise season 14?
Joséphine Jobert won't be returning as Florence in Death in Paradise season 14. Although she did return for season 13, Josephine now feels her character's story on the show is complete with Florence heading off into the sunset with Neville. She said she can't imagine returning to the series, so it sees Florence won't be back.
Is there a trailer?
Yes, one has finally landed...
Death in Paradise behind the scenes and more
Death in Paradise is a Red Planet Pictures production for the BBC made with the support of the region of Guadeloupe, where it is filmed, and internationally distributed by BBC Studios.
BBC Studios have now licensed Death in Paradise to over 230 territories across the globe including on BritBox in North America and in Australia.
