Inside Death in Paradise Star Shantol Jackson’s Life – From Career Twist to Royal Encounter

Shantol Jackson has won the hearts of Death in Paradise fans ever since she stepped onto the shores of Saint Marie as Naomi Thomas. The talented actress joined the beloved BBC crime drama in Season 11, quickly becoming a crucial part of the police team. But while she’s known for her fierce detective work on-screen, Shantol’s real-life journey is just as fascinating. From a surprising career change to an unexpected royal encounter, here’s everything you need to know about the rising star.

Shantol Jackson’s Journey to Death in Paradise

Before playing Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas, Shantol was almost cast in a very different role. In fact, she originally auditioned for Ruby Patterson, the character eventually played by Shyko Amos. While missing out on that part was disappointing, fate had other plans.

Speaking about her journey, Shantol told The Mirror:

“They called to say they had the right role for me. They saw something in me, and I was so grateful. I absolutely love playing Naomi.”

She made her debut in Season 11, stepping in after JP Hooper (Tobi Bakare) left. Since then, she has grown into a fan-favorite, solving tricky murder cases and bringing a fresh energy to the team.

Why Death in Paradise Is So Special to Her

Over the years, Shantol has been at the center of many thrilling cases. One of her most memorable storylines? The shocking moment when Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) was shot.

“The murders are all crazy! Each time, I think, ‘How are you going to make this work?’ One of my favorites was when the Commissioner got shot. It was more than just solving the crime—it was emotional.”

Clearly, Shantol enjoys the challenge of the show’s complex plots and unpredictable twists!

Her Personal Life: Love and Challenges

While Shantol captivates audiences on screen, she prefers to keep her personal life private. However, in a rare candid interview with Hello!, she opened up about how her demanding filming schedule has impacted her love life.

“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.”

She also admitted that she needs a partner who understands the nature of her career:

“It has to be somebody who can hop over now and then, who understands that this is my life and can handle something that is a bit difficult.”

It seems finding the right balance between love and career is something she’s still figuring out!

A Surprising Career Change

Before acting, Shantol had very different career aspirations. She once dreamed of becoming a veterinarian—until an unexpected experience changed everything.

Her father, wanting to test her resolve, handed her a dead frog to dissect. Her reaction?

“I looked at the frog and then I looked at my dad and said, ‘Daddy, I don’t think I’ll be able to be a veterinarian.’”

That moment was a turning point. She later discovered a passion for acting in school, joining the drama club despite her father’s initial concerns.

At first, he wasn’t convinced about her choice, pushing her toward nursing school instead. But after seeing her perform on stage, he became one of her biggest supporters.

Her Unexpected Royal Encounter

Shantol has worked alongside some huge names, including Idris Elba in Yardie, but one of her most surreal moments came at the premiere of Bob Marley: One Love in Jamaica.

While walking the red carpet, she suddenly found herself in the presence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle!

“Meghan and Harry just casually walked past me. I'm sure only the government officials knew they were coming.”

She added that they were surprisingly approachable:

“They were very sweet and very excited. I was dumbstruck because I wasn’t expecting it.”

It’s safe to say that was a night she won’t forget anytime soon!

What’s Next for Shantol Jackson?

With Death in Paradise continuing to captivate audiences, fans are eager to see what’s next for Naomi Thomas. Could she be the future DI of Saint Marie? Or will she face new challenges that test her limits?

One thing is certain—Shantol Jackson’s star is only rising, and we can’t wait to see where her career takes her next!

FAQs

1. How long has Shantol Jackson been in Death in Paradise?

She joined the show in Season 11 (2022) as Naomi Thomas and has been a key character ever since.

2. What did Shantol Jackson do before acting?

She originally wanted to be a veterinarian, but after a bad experience dissecting a frog, she switched to acting.

3. Has she starred in any other major projects?

Yes! She appeared in Idris Elba’s film Yardie and has also worked in Jamaican theatre.

4. Is Shantol Jackson in a relationship?

She keeps her personal life private but has mentioned that her filming schedule makes dating difficult.

5. Where can I watch Death in Paradise?

All episodes are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.