Death in Paradise season 14: everything we know

Death in Paradise season 14 lead Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson
(Image credit: BBC)

Death in Paradise season 14 is on the way, with ex EastEnders star Don Gilet playing the new leading man, Detective Inspector Mervin WiIson.

Don will first be seen as Mervin in the Death in Paradise 2024 Christmas special, before a full series begins in early 2025.

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, departing 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".

It is an exciting time in the world of Death in Paradise, with Beyond Paradise season 3 coming up, while Aussie spin-off Return to Paradise is hitting the BBC. There continue to be rumors of further spin-offs as well!

Here's everything we know about season 14…

Death in Paradise season 14 release date

The last series started in February 2024, so it's a fair bet Death in Paradise season 14 will be released in February 2025. If we're lucky it might even be in January 2025. US audiences will likely have to wait a fraction longer before it hits BritBox. Filming has now finished in Guadeloupe, where the show is shot.

Death in Paradise cast

DS Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson) and Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) stand on the beach inside a perimeter of crime scene tape. Naomi is holding a British passport, and the Commissioner is holding a mobile phone

DS Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson) and Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) are back (Image credit: BBC / Red Planet Pictures)

Don Gilet is confirmed as the new lead, Detective Inspector Mervin WiIson. Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, Élizabeth Bourgine and Danny John-Jules are returning. There's no news on guest stars yet.

Death in Paradise season 14 lead Don Gilet as Mervin with the show's famous yellow cop car behind him

Detective Inspector Mervin WiIson (Image credit: BBC)

Plot

Detective Inspector Mervin WiIson will be first be seen in the Christmas special, so the new series will be more about him or her bedding into the team. We have few details about Mervin except he's a UK cop called over to Saint Marie. He's not too impressed with island at first, but will he grow to love the place?

Will Kris Marshall return as DI Humphrey Goodman?

Humphrey standing with a beach behind him in Beyond Paradise season 2

DI Humphrey Goodman (Image credit: BBC)

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?

Florence and Neville hug in Death in Paradise season 13 episode 8

Florence said farewell it seems for good at the end of series 13 (Image credit: BBC)

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?

No, not yet!

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.

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David Hollingsworth
Editor

David is the What To Watch Editor and has over 20 years of experience in television journalism. He is currently writing about the latest television and film news for What To Watch.

Before working for What To Watch, David spent many years working for TV Times magazine, interviewing some of television's most famous stars including Hollywood actor Kiefer Sutherland, singer Lionel Richie and wildlife legend Sir David Attenborough. 

David started out as a writer for TV Times before becoming the title's deputy features editor and then features editor. During his time on TV Times, David also helped run the annual TV Times Awards. David is a huge Death in Paradise fan, although he's still failed to solve a case before the show's detective! He also loves James Bond and controversially thinks that Timothy Dalton was an excellent 007.

Other than watching and writing about telly, David loves playing cricket, going to the cinema, trying to improve his tennis and chasing about after his kids!