Death in Paradise Cast 2024 vs. 2025: What’s Changed?
Explore the Death in Paradise cast 2024 vs. 2025, including new actors, departures, and fan reactions for Season 14. Discover the cast shake-up!
If you’re a Death in Paradise fan, you know the cast is the heartbeat of this sunny crime drama. The Death in Paradise cast shake-up between 2024 and 2025 has fans buzzing, with Ralf Little leaving, Don Gilet stepping in, and a mix of new and returning faces shaking up Saint Marie. Season 13 wrapped in March 2024, and Season 14 kicked off on January 31, 2025, bringing big changes to the cast of Death in Paradise 2024 and cast of Death in Paradise 2025. This article dives into who was on the island last year, who’s new this year, who left, and how it all impacts the show. Want to know why these changes matter and how to keep up? Let’s break it down.
Actionable Takeaway: Save this article to track the Death in Paradise cast changes as you watch Season 14 or revisit 2024 episodes.
The 2024 Cast of Death in Paradise: Who Was Running Saint Marie?
In 2024, Death in Paradise aired Season 13 and a Christmas Special that set the stage for a major cast overhaul. The cast of Death in Paradise 2024 was a mix of long-time favorites and guest stars who kept the show’s charm alive. Here’s the rundown.
Ralf Little as DI Neville Parker (Season 13)
Ralf Little was the face of Season 13, playing DI Neville Parker, the nerdy, allergy-prone detective who won fans over with his awkward charm. His exit in March 2024 was a gut punch for many, marking one of the biggest moments in the Death in Paradise cast shake-up.
Role: Lead detective, solving crimes while battling hay fever and his own insecurities.
Career Highlights: You’ve seen him in The Royle Family and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. He’s got that everyman vibe that makes characters relatable.
Exit Details: Neville left Saint Marie with Florence Cassell (Joséphine Jobert) after they finally admitted their feelings in the Season 13 finale. It was a romantic send-off, but X posts from March 2024 show fans were torn—some loved the happy ending, others wanted him to stay.
Why does Neville’s exit matter? He was the lead for four seasons, and his departure closed a major chapter. Fans on X shared clips of his final scene, racking up thousands of likes. A common mistake is thinking his exit means the show’s done—it’s not. The writers use these changes to keep things fresh, but if you skip his episodes, you’ll miss his growth from shy tech geek to confident DI.
Actionable Takeaway: Rewatch Neville’s final episode on BBC iPlayer to catch his emotional goodbye with Florence. It’s a tearjerker.
Internal Link: Top Moments from Death in Paradise Season 13
Recurring Cast in 2024
The 2024 cast of Death in Paradise 2024 wasn’t just about Neville. The supporting players brought the island to life, and they’re a big reason fans stay hooked.
Don Warrington as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson: He’s been the boss since Season 1, always keeping the team in line with his stern but fair style. In 2024, he survived a shooting arc, which had fans on edge.
Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey: The bar owner and island mom, running her spot since 2011. Her warm presence is a constant in every season.
Danny John-Jules as Dwayne Myers: The cheeky officer returned for Season 13 and the 2024 Christmas Special, bringing his signature humor. He left again in the special to care for his sick father.
Shantol Jackson as DS Naomi Thomas: A sergeant since Season 11, she’s tough and smart. She also popped up in the spin-off Beyond Paradise in 2024.
Ginny Holder as Officer Darlene Curtis: Joined in Season 8 and stayed steady, often balancing Dwayne’s antics with her no-nonsense attitude.
These characters are the glue of the show. A mistake fans make is focusing only on the lead detective—don’t sleep on the supporting cast. For example, Catherine’s bar scenes are where the team unwinds, and skipping them means missing the show’s heart. X posts from 2024 highlight fans quoting Dwayne’s one-liners, showing how much these characters drive engagement.
Actionable Takeaway: Follow Don Warrington and Élizabeth Bourgine on X for their 2024 set photos and fan interactions. They often share behind-the-scenes gems.
Notable Guest Stars in 2024
The 2024 Christmas Special was a big deal, packed with guest stars that added flair to the Death in Paradise cast 2024. The episode, aired in December 2024, revolved around a Santa-themed murder mystery—classic Death in Paradise weirdness.
Angela Griffin (The Wives): Played a key suspect, bringing drama.
Steven Hartley (Happy Valley): Added gravitas to the festive whodunit.
Jim Howick (Ghosts): His comedic chops shone in the quirky plot.
Michael Salami and Dex Lee: Rounded out the ensemble, keeping fans guessing.
Guest stars are a huge draw, and missing them is a rookie mistake. They often play pivotal roles in the mystery, and spotting familiar faces (like Jim Howick from Ghosts) adds fun. The special drew 7.3 million viewers in the UK, per BBC’s 2024 ratings, proving these guest spots keep audiences hooked.
Actionable Takeaway: Check the guest star list on IMDb before watching the 2024 Christmas Special to catch actors you know.
External Link: BBC’s Death in Paradise Christmas Special 2024 Details
The 2025 Cast of Death in Paradise: What’s New?
Season 14, which hit screens on January 31, 2025, brought a fresh cast of Death in Paradise 2025. The Death in Paradise cast shake-up is real, with new leads, new officers, and some familiar faces holding it down. Here’s who’s in the mix.
Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson (Season 14)
Don Gilet is the big news for 2025, stepping in as DI Mervin Wilson. He debuted in the 2024 Christmas Special and now leads Season 14, bringing a new vibe to Saint Marie.
Role: A London detective who ends up on the island to solve a personal case and stays to lead the team. He’s gritty but has a sense of humor.
Career Highlights: Gilet’s known for EastEnders (as Lucas Johnson), Holby City, and Shetland. He’s got a knack for complex characters.
Fan Reactions: X posts from January 2025 are glowing, with fans calling him “a perfect fit” and praising his chemistry with the team. One viral post with 10k likes said, “Gilet’s Mervin is the shake-up we needed.”
Gilet’s arrival matters because he’s not just replacing Neville—he’s redefining the lead role. His urban background contrasts with the island’s laid-back vibe, much like Ben Miller’s Richard Poole back in Season 1. A mistake fans make is comparing him too quickly to past DIs. Give him a few episodes—his style grows on you. If you don’t watch his debut, you’ll miss how he sets the tone for Season 14.
Actionable Takeaway: Stream Gilet’s first episode on BritBox to see how he stacks up against Ralf Little or Kris Marshall.
Internal Link: Why Death in Paradise’s New DI Shakes Up Season 14
New Additions to the 2025 Cast
Season 14 isn’t just about Gilet. New faces fill the gaps left by departures, keeping the Death in Paradise cast 2025 fresh.
Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Officer Sebastian Rose: Joins in Episode 1 after the death of Benjamin Brice, a minor character. Ali-Yebuah’s known for Boiling Point, and his role adds a young, driven energy.
Tobi Bakare as Sergeant JP Hooper: A fan favorite from Seasons 4-10, he returns as a guest star in Season 14, giving fans a nostalgic hit.
New characters are easy to overlook, but that’s a mistake. Sebastian Rose, for example, brings a modern policing angle, and early reviews on X say he’s a standout. Tobi Bakare’s return is a big deal—his scenes in Episode 3 (aired February 14, 2025) got 5k retweets for his classic JP charm.
Actionable Takeaway: Look up Shaquille Ali-Yebuah’s roles on IMDb to get a feel for his style before watching Season 14.
Returning Cast in 2025
Despite the shake-up, some veterans keep the Death in Paradise cast 2025 grounded.
Don Warrington as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson: Faces a job threat in Season 14 but remains the team’s anchor. He’s been in all 14 seasons.
Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey: Still running her bar, serving drinks and wisdom since Season 1.
Shantol Jackson as DS Naomi Thomas: A core sergeant, carrying over from 2024.
Ginny Holder as Officer Darlene Curtis: Keeps the team steady with her practical approach.
These returnees are why the show feels like home, even with new leads. Ignoring them is a mistake—Catherine’s bar scenes, for instance, are where the team bonds, and Warrington’s Selwyn drives key plot points. X posts in February 2025 show fans praising Élizabeth Bourgine’s “timeless” performance.
Actionable Takeaway: Use JustWatch to make a Season 14 watchlist and track these characters’ arcs.
External Link: Radio Times Season 14 Cast Guide
Key Departures and Their Impact
The Death in Paradise cast 2024 vs. 2025 comparison hinges on who left and how it changes the show’s dynamic.
Ralf Little and Joséphine Jobert’s Exit
Ralf Little and Joséphine Jobert’s departure in March 2024 was huge. Their characters, Neville Parker and Florence Cassell, sailed off after confessing their love, ending a fan-favorite romance.
Why They Left: The writers gave them a happy ending, tying up a multi-season arc. It was a deliberate choice to close their story.
Fan Reactions: X posts from March 2024 show a split—some fans posted heart emojis for the romance, others begged for Neville’s return. A poll on X with 8k votes showed 60% loved the exit, 40% hated it.
Impact: Their exit left a void for fans who loved Neville’s quirks. It paved the way for Don Gilet, but some viewers struggled with the shift, per X discussions.
Missing their final episode means missing a key emotional payoff. Their departure shows why the show rotates leads—it keeps stories from getting stale, but it can alienate fans if you’re too attached.
Actionable Takeaway: Join fan chats on X to discuss Neville and Florence’s exit and see how others feel about the new cast.
Danny John-Jules’ Limited Role
Danny John-Jules came back as Dwayne Myers for Season 13 and the 2024 Christmas Special but left again to care for his ailing father, as shown in the special’s plot.
Impact: Dwayne’s humor is a fan favorite, and his absence in Season 14 stings. X posts from February 2025, with hashtags like #BringBackDwayne, show fans want him back for Season 15.
Why It Matters: Dwayne’s local knowledge and banter are core to the show’s vibe. Without him, the team feels quieter.
Don’t skip his 2024 scenes—they’re packed with classic Dwayne moments. A mistake is assuming he’s gone for good; the show often brings back fan favorites.
Actionable Takeaway: Rewatch Dwayne’s scenes in the 2024 Christmas Special on BBC iPlayer for his best one-liners.
Internal Link: Top 5 Dwayne Myers Moments in Death in Paradise
Guest Stars: 2024 vs. 2025
Guest stars keep Death in Paradise unpredictable, and both 2024 and 2025 delivered big names.
2024 Christmas Special: Angela Griffin (The Wives), Steven Hartley (Happy Valley), Jim Howick (Ghosts), Michael Salami, and Dex Lee starred in a Santa-themed murder case. X posts called it “wildly creative,” with 12k likes on a clip of Jim Howick’s performance.
2025 Season 14: Features Tobi Bakare (JP Hooper, guest role), Michelle Greenidge (Kaos), Joy Richardson (Dreamland), and Stephen Odubola (Boiling Point). A Radio Times article from January 2025 says these stars add “fresh energy” to the mysteries.
Guest stars matter because they bring new dynamics to each episode. A common mistake is not checking who’s guest-starring—you might miss a favorite actor or a key clue. IMDb lists over 300 guest stars across the series, showing how much they drive the show’s appeal.
Actionable Takeaway: Check the Season 14 guest star list on IMDb before watching to spot familiar faces.
External Link: BBC’s Season 14 Guest Star Announcement
Why the Cast Shake-Up Matters
The Death in Paradise cast shake-up isn’t just about new faces—it’s about keeping the show alive after 14 years. Here’s why it’s a big deal:
Fresh Perspectives: Don Gilet’s Mervin Wilson brings a tougher, urban edge compared to Neville’s nerdy vibe. It changes how cases are solved, keeping mysteries engaging.
Fan Engagement: Cast changes spark debates on X. A January 2025 thread comparing Mervin to Humphrey Goodman got 15k views, showing how fans stay invested.
Continuity: Veterans like Don Warrington and Élizabeth Bourgine keep the show’s soul intact. Warrington’s been in 100+ episodes, per IMDb, making him a cornerstone.
If you ignore the shake-up, you miss why the show’s still a hit. JustWatch data from 2025 ranks Death in Paradise among the top 10 streamed shows in the UK, proving the cast changes work.
Actionable Takeaway: Share your thoughts on the Death in Paradise cast 2025 in fan groups on X to join the debate.
Internal Link: How Death in Paradise Stays Fresh After 14 Seasons
Common Mistakes Fans Make During Cast Changes
Cast changes can throw off even die-hard fans. Here’s what to avoid:
Skipping Seasons: Don’t ditch Season 14 because Ralf Little’s gone. Don Gilet’s Mervin Wilson is earning praise, with X posts calling him “a game-changer.”
Ignoring New Characters: Newcomers like Shaquille Ali-Yebuah add depth. Skipping their scenes means missing new dynamics.
Missing Guest Stars: Not checking guest stars can mean overlooking big names like Tobi Bakare’s return in Episode 3.
Assuming Departures Are Permanent: Danny John-Jules has returned before, so don’t count him out for Season 15.
If you make these mistakes, you’ll miss the show’s evolution. The cast shake-up is designed to keep you guessing, and skipping it means missing out.
Actionable Takeaway: Use JustWatch to track Season 14 episodes and catch new cast members’ debuts.
How to Stay Updated on Cast Changes
Keeping up with the Death in Paradise cast 2024 vs. 2025 isn’t hard, but it takes effort. Here’s how:
Follow Official Sources: Check BBC’s website for cast announcements, especially for Season 15.
Join Fan Communities: X is buzzing with Death in Paradise fans sharing real-time reactions. Search #DeathInParadise for updates.
Stream Smart: Use BritBox or BBC iPlayer to watch episodes as they drop, starting with the January 31, 2025, premiere.
Not staying updated means missing casting news, like Tobi Bakare’s surprise return. Fans who don’t follow along risk being out of the loop when Season 15 drops.
Actionable Takeaway: Set a calendar reminder for Season 15 casting news, expected in late 2025, and check Radio Times for updates.
What Happens If You Don’t Follow the Cast Changes?
If you don’t keep up with the Death in Paradise cast shake-up, you’ll miss context that makes the show click. For example, not knowing Don Gilet’s background means you won’t get why Mervin Wilson’s style feels different. Skipping Neville’s exit episode leaves you clueless about why Florence is gone. And ignoring guest stars means missing clues in the mysteries. The show’s built on its cast, and losing track makes it harder to follow plots or join fan discussions on X, where #DeathInParadise trends weekly in 2025.
Conclusion
The Death in Paradise cast 2024 vs. 2025 is a story of change and continuity. Ralf Little and Joséphine Jobert’s exit in March 2024 closed a beloved chapter, while Don Gilet and Shaquille Ali-Yebuah’s arrival in 2025 opens a new one. Veterans like Don Warrington and Élizabeth Bourgine keep Saint Marie’s spirit alive, and guest stars like Tobi Bakare add surprises. The Death in Paradise cast shake-up keeps the show fresh, even after 14 seasons. Want to stay in the loop for Season 15? Subscribe to our newsletter, follow cast members on X, or share your favorite new character in the comments.
FAQ Section
Who left the Death in Paradise cast in 2024?
Ralf Little (Neville Parker) and Joséphine Jobert (Florence Cassell) left after Season 13, sailing off together in March 2024.
Who’s new in the Death in Paradise cast 2025?
Don Gilet (DI Mervin Wilson) and Shaquille Ali-Yebuah (Officer Sebastian Rose) joined for Season 14, starting January 31, 2025.
Is Danny John-Jules back in Season 14?
Dwayne Myers was in the 2024 Christmas Special but left again, with no confirmed role in Season 14.
Where can I watch Death in Paradise Season 14?
Stream it on BBC iPlayer in the UK or BritBox in the US, starting January 31, 2025.
Why does the Death in Paradise cast keep changing?
The show rotates leads to keep stories fresh, with new detectives like Don Gilet bringing unique styles to Saint Marie.
