Death in Paradise Series 15: BBC’s Caribbean Crime Drama Returns with New Lead Detective

5 December 2025 Crime Drama

BBC’s Beloved Crime Drama Continues Its Success

Death in Paradise has officially been renewed for Series 15, with filming beginning in April 2025 in Guadeloupe. The announcement marks another milestone for the popular British detective series, which has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique blend of Caribbean sunshine and murder mysteries. The programme is now broadcast in 236 territories, cementing its status as one of the BBC’s most successful international exports.

New Detective Takes Centre Stage

Series 14 marked the first full season with new lead Don Gilet, who plays DI Mervin Wilson. Gilet made his debut in the 2024 Christmas special, playing a Londoner who came to the island in search of his birth mother and was initially reluctant to stay. Series 14 began on 31 January 2025 on BBC One at 9pm, with the whole season now available on BBC iPlayer. The former EastEnders star has successfully taken over from Ralf Little, becoming the fifth detective inspector in the show’s history.

Production Updates and Future Prospects

The show’s social media pages revealed that filming has begun on location in the Caribbean, specifically in Guadeloupe. As filming has just begun, the show will likely continue its current release schedule, meaning there will be a Christmas special this year and Series 15 will premiere in 2026. However, questions remain about the future of some beloved characters. Don Warrington’s character, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, decided to leave his role in the police in the Series 14 finale, leaving fans wondering about his return.

The Show’s Enduring Appeal

Since its debut, Death in Paradise has enjoyed high viewing figures and a generally positive critical reception, leading to repeated renewals. The series has also spawned successful spin-offs. Beyond Paradise, starring Kris Marshall’s character Humphrey Goodman, began airing in 2023, whilst a second spin-off, Return to Paradise, made for ABC television in Australia and BBC One, debuted in 2024. For viewers eager to catch up, the entire series has been available to stream year-round since May 2020 on BritBox. With Series 15 now in production, Death in Paradise shows no signs of slowing down, promising more sun-soaked mysteries for fans worldwide.