Don Warrington: Beloved Death in Paradise Star Navigates Career-Defining Storyline

Introduction: A Television Icon at a Crossroads

Don Warrington MBE, the Trinidadian-born British actor best known for playing Commissioner Selwyn Patterson in the BBC detective series Death in Paradise since 2011, finds himself at the centre of one of the show’s most dramatic storylines. As one of the two original BBC stars still on the show since it first aired in 2011, Warrington’s character faces an uncertain future that has captivated fans worldwide. This development holds particular significance as the 73-year-old actor has become synonymous with the beloved Caribbean crime drama, making any potential departure a momentous occasion for the series.

Commissioner Patterson’s Dramatic Storyline

In the latest series currently airing on BBC One, Patterson is in turmoil as he has been made redundant because of the cuts rolled out in Saint Marie’s police force. Sterling Fox (Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge) was introduced as his younger, arrogant replacement and the former Commissioner was left with no choice but to break the news to his team. The storyline has created significant tension, with Warrington saying his character has to “work through a crisis” when it comes to being made redundant in the latest series.

Warrington praised the BBC’s decision to feature a black lead, stating: “I think to see a black lead in the most popular show on the BBC is a wonderful thing”. The actor has also commented on the backlash the series recently received due to the all-black cast, defending the show’s progressive direction.

A Distinguished Career Beyond the Caribbean

Warrington’s illustrious career extends far beyond Death in Paradise. He is best known for playing Philip Smith in the ITV sitcom Rising Damp (1974–78), a role that launched him to national prominence. Warrington performed in the lead role of King Lear in a 2016 Talawa Theatre Company production, with Mark Shenton writing that “Warrington seizes and owns it with magnetic, majestic power”. He was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2008 Birthday Honours, recognising his significant contributions to British drama.

His son, Jake Fairbrother, has continued the family’s acting legacy, featuring in Vera, The Sandman, and Alex Rider. His wife, Mary Maddocks, is an actress who appeared in The Rocky Horror Show in the West End.

Conclusion: An Enduring Legacy

While speculation about Warrington’s departure from Death in Paradise continues, the actor has teased that his character “has to work through a crisis, really, and he resolves it in one way or another”. Regardless of the outcome, Don Warrington’s impact on British television remains undeniable. His portrayal of Commissioner Patterson has provided representation and inspiration to audiences worldwide, whilst his distinguished theatre career demonstrates his versatility as a performer. For fans of the series, the coming episodes will prove crucial in determining whether this beloved character’s journey on the Caribbean island continues or comes to a dignified close.