Paul Nicholls leads an array of actors heading to the French-Caribbean island of Guadeloupe as filming begins on the fifth series of BBC1’s hit crime drama Death in Paradise.
The former EastEnder and star of BBC1’s recent real-life drama The C Word, in which he appeared alongside BAFTA winner Sheridan Smith, said it was a great opportunity. "I’m very excited to have the chance to work with the fantastic cast and crew on the upcoming series of Death In Paradise.
"I play a fashion photographer, which is very different from many of my previous roles, so it was a great challenge. Filming in Guadeloupe was incredible too. We had so much fun."
Joining Paul on the roll call of guest stars are Julian Ovenden (Downton Abbey), Lucy Cohu (Broadchurch), Heida Reed (Poldark), Neve McIntosh (Doctor Who), Nigel Lindsay (Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa), Hannah Britland (Fresh Meat), Charlotte Hope (Game of Thrones) and Emma Rigby (Once Upon a Time).
They will be challenging the detection skills of Saint Marie’s small but endearing police team, led by dishevelled DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall), as they tackle what must surely be one of the highest murder rates in the Caribbean.
Off-duty stories for the officers see Humphrey take on the brave new world of dating, while JP (Tobi Bakare) finally learns to swim with the help of streetwise mentor Dwayne Myers (Danny John-Jules) and savvy DS Florence Cassell (Joséphine Jobert).
Tim Key, executive producer of Death in Paradise, said: "We are delighted to have such great talent involved in the show and the new series promises more twists, romances and shocks for viewers with some of our most ambitious stories yet. From deep-sea divers who get in over their heads to political scandals with deadly consequences, there’s something for everyone."
The new series of Death in Paradise will screen on BBC1 in early 2016.
