Death in Paradise Star Shantol Jackson Opens Up About Major BBC Show Challenges

Death in Paradise Star Shantol Jackson Opens Up About Major BBC Show Challenges

Shantol Jackson Reveals How Death in Paradise Affects Her Personal Life

BBC’s hit crime drama Death in Paradise has captivated audiences for years, and one of its standout stars, Shantol Jackson, has finally opened up about the struggles that come with filming the show. Jackson, who has played Naomi Thomas since 2011, has worked alongside various lead detectives, including DI Neville Parker (Ralf Little). As the series gears up for its highly anticipated Season 14 finale, Jackson has shed light on how the show has influenced her personal and romantic life.

The Challenge of Balancing Love and Career

In an exclusive interview, Jackson admitted that while she cherishes the experience of being part of the show, maintaining relationships has been challenging.

“It is a long time to be away, and that makes having a partner quite difficult. I'm hoping to work on that this year. We have biological clocks, so we need to get the ball rolling when it comes to that.”

Her statement resonated with many fans who understand the struggles of balancing a demanding career with personal commitments.

The Difficulties of Long-Distance Relationships

Being part of Death in Paradise means spending months filming in the stunning yet remote location of Guadeloupe. This has made sustaining relationships particularly tough for Jackson.

“You need to find someone who understands your lifestyle when you have to work away from home. It has to be someone who can also come to you. When you’re there, you’re there; you can’t leave.”

She went on to reveal that any potential partner would need to be flexible and willing to make the effort to visit her during filming.

Has Shantol Jackson Tried Online Dating?

Despite the challenges, Jackson has yet to try online dating apps such as Tinder.

“I haven’t been on Tinder. It’s tricky, but I’ve seen people do it, so I know it can be done.”

Fans were quick to share their thoughts on social media, with many suggesting that she give it a shot.

Former Death in Paradise Stars Who Left Due to Personal Reasons

Jackson isn’t the only Death in Paradise star who has faced difficulties due to the show’s rigorous filming schedule. Over the years, several key actors have made the tough decision to step away.

Kris Marshall’s Emotional Exit

Kris Marshall, who played DI Humphrey Goodman, left the show in 2017 to prioritize his family.

“Skyping isn’t the same and just leaves me bereft, really. Then I just had to go and drown my sorrows in the bar. It’s time to move on and give someone else a chance to enjoy some sun.”

Marshall revealed that his wife, Hannah Dodkin, endured sleepless nights caring for their newborn daughter while he was filming abroad. Despite making 16-hour journeys back home every six weeks, it wasn’t enough. His departure allowed him to spend more time with his family, and he later returned in the spin-off Beyond Paradise, which is filmed in the UK.

Other Stars Who Left Due to Similar Issues

• Ben Miller (DI Richard Poole) – Left after two seasons due to family commitments.

• Sara Martins (DS Camille Bordey) – Wanted to explore new opportunities but later returned for special episodes.

• Josephine Jobert (DS Florence Cassell) – Took a break from the series to focus on personal growth and career expansion.

What’s Next for Death in Paradise?

With Season 14 on the horizon, fans are eager to see how the storylines evolve. Will Shantol Jackson’s character Naomi Thomas take on a bigger role? Will any fan-favorite stars make surprise appearances?

For now, viewers can only wait and speculate as Death in Paradise continues to be one of BBC’s most beloved shows.

Conclusion

Filming a show as demanding as Death in Paradise comes with sacrifices. Shantol Jackson’s candid insights have given fans a glimpse into the challenges faced by actors working far from home. Whether it’s maintaining relationships or choosing between career and family, the dedication required for such a role is immense. As fans eagerly await the next season, one thing is clear: Death in Paradise continues to leave a lasting impact on its stars, both on and off-screen.

FAQ

Why did Shantol Jackson open up about her struggles on Death in Paradise?

She revealed that being away for long periods makes it difficult to maintain a romantic relationship, and she hopes to focus more on that in the future.

Has any other Death in Paradise star left due to similar reasons?

Yes! Stars like Kris Marshall, Ben Miller, and Josephine Jobert have stepped away from the show to prioritize their personal lives.

Will Shantol Jackson leave Death in Paradise?

There has been no official confirmation of her departure, but her comments suggest she is evaluating her work-life balance.

Where is Death in Paradise filmed?

The series is filmed in Guadeloupe, a picturesque Caribbean island that serves as the fictional Saint Marie.

Will Kris Marshall return to Death in Paradise?

Kris Marshall now stars in the spin-off Beyond Paradise, so while a return isn’t impossible, it’s unlikely for now.