Who’s Who in Death in Paradise Season 14: Meet the Cast
Want to know who’s solving crimes on Saint Marie this year? The cast of Death in Paradise Season 14 brings a fresh vibe to the BBC’s hit crime drama. Don Gilet steps in as the new Detective Inspector, while veterans like Don Warrington and Shantol Jackson keep the island’s police station humming. Guest stars like Tobi Bakare add extra spice. Knowing the Death in Paradise cast 2025 isn’t just about names—it’s about understanding the characters driving the mysteries. You can catch Season 14 on BBC One, Fridays at 9 PM, or stream it on BBC iPlayer or BritBox. Let’s break down who’s who and why they matter.
Meet the New Lead: Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson
First up, Don Gilet. He’s the new guy, playing Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson, who showed up in the 2024 Christmas special. Mervin’s a London cop, used to the gritty streets, and he’s not thrilled about Saint Marie’s laid-back island life. He’s got a personal stake in staying, though—his mother’s possible murder keeps him anchored. Gilet, who you might know as Lucas Johnson from EastEnders or Jesse Law in Holby City, brings a no-nonsense edge to the role. His character’s not like Ralf Little’s Neville Parker, and that’s where some fans trip up. They expect another quirky detective, but Mervin’s more direct, maybe even a bit rough around the edges.
Why does this matter? The lead detective sets the tone for every case. Mervin’s drama—digging into his mom’s death—adds a layer of tension that carries through the season. If you don’t catch his backstory early, you might miss why he’s so driven. Want to get a feel for Gilet’s take on Mervin? Check his social media for behind-the-scenes posts. The BBC’s official Death in Paradise page has interviews with him, too, where he talks about stepping into the role. Don’t expect a carbon copy of past DIs—Gilet’s doing his own thing.
Returning Favorites in the Death in Paradise Cast 2025
The show’s not just about the new guy. The death in paradise cast 2025 leans heavily on returning actors who keep Saint Marie’s heart beating. Let’s talk about the core team.
Don Warrington as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson
Don Warrington’s been the Commissioner since the show started in 2011. His character, Selwyn Patterson, is the steady hand guiding the police team, but Season 14 throws him a curveball. There’s “momentous news” from Jamaica, and his job’s on the line. Some fans assume he’s out for good, but that’s a mistake. Tobi Bakare, who plays JP Hooper, said in an interview that the show’s survived cast changes before, and Warrington’s not confirmed gone. His career’s a long one—think Rising Damp as Philip Smith or The Bill. Selwyn’s leadership is why the team doesn’t fall apart, so his story matters.
If you want to appreciate Selwyn’s arc, rewatch earlier seasons on BBC iPlayer. His evolution from a grumpy boss to a beloved figure is worth seeing. Missing his context could make his Season 14 drama feel flat.
Shantol Jackson as DS Naomi Thomas
Next, Shantol Jackson as Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas. She joined in Season 11, and she’s back with her sharp instincts. Naomi’s from Saint Barnabas, so she brings local know-how to the team’s cases. Jackson’s got range—she was in Yardie (2018) and even popped up in Beyond Paradise as Naomi. Her character’s growth into a confident sergeant adds depth to the police station’s dynamic. If you’re curious about her acting chops, check out Yardie on streaming platforms. Naomi’s not just a sidekick—she’s key to solving the season’s trickier cases.
Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey
Then there’s Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey, Saint Marie’s mayor and bar owner. She’s been around since Season 1, acting as the team’s unofficial mom. Her bar’s where everyone hashes out cases over drinks. Bourgine’s career spans French films and UK shows like The Sun Also Rises (1984). Catherine’s role isn’t about solving crimes directly but about holding the group together. Want updates on her? Follow Bourgine on Instagram—she posts about her time on set. Skipping her scenes means missing the heart of the show’s community vibe.
Ginny Holder as Officer Darlene Curtis
Ginny Holder’s back as Officer Darlene Curtis, who joined in Season 7 and became a regular by Season 11. In Season 14, she’s training a new officer, Sebastian Rose, while tackling cases involving party drugs. Holder’s been in Holby City (Thandie Abebe-Griffin) and The Capture, so she’s no stranger to intense roles. Some fans underestimate Darlene, but that’s a mistake—she’s often the one cracking tough cases. Check out The Capture to see more of Holder’s work. Her role’s bigger than you might think, so don’t skip her scenes.
For more on the team’s dynamic, Radio Times has a solid article on the Season 14 cast. You can also read our post on “How Saint Marie’s Police Team Solves Crimes in Death in Paradise” for a deeper look.
Guest Stars Lighting Up Death in Paradise Season 14
Guest stars are a big deal in Death in Paradise. They bring fresh faces and wild cases. Here’s who to watch.
Tobi Bakare as Sergeant JP Hooper
Tobi Bakare’s return as JP Hooper in Episode 1 is a treat for longtime fans. He was a regular from Seasons 4 to 10, and his guest spot ties into a major case. Bakare, who you might recognize from Kingsman, thinks the show can handle cast changes without losing its spark. His return connects Season 14 to the show’s past, which is huge for continuity. If JP’s arc feels rushed, though, fans might feel let down—don’t expect a full season of him. Rewatch Seasons 4–10 on BritBox to catch his original run and see why his cameo hits hard.
Notable Guest Stars to Watch
Season 14’s guest list is stacked. Michelle Greenidge (Kaos) plays Mervin’s mom, Paulette Brice, in the Christmas special. Episode 2 has Adam James (Doctor Foster) as Ricky Mayhew, Bhavna Limbachia (Coronation Street) as Chaz Simons, and Simon Lennon (Bridgerton) as Jonny Feldon. Episode 6 brings Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge as Sterling Fox, who might replace Selwyn, plus Charlotte Spencer (Ted Lasso) and Gerard Horan. These actors add drama and familiar faces to each episode. Skipping their episodes means missing key plot twists—don’t do it. Check IMDb’s Death in Paradise cast page for a full list of who’s popping up. Want to know more about guest stars? Our post on “Best Guest Stars in Death in Paradise History” has you covered.
Why the Cast of Death in Paradise Season 14 Matters
Why care about the cast of Death in Paradise Season 14? It’s simple. The mix of new blood like Don Gilet and veterans like Don Warrington keeps the show fresh but grounded. Mervin’s personal story—his mom’s death—gives the season emotional weight. Cast changes, like Danny John-Jules leaving as Dwayne Myers after the Christmas special, show the show’s willingness to evolve. But if the changes feel too fast, some fans might tune out, as seen in past seasons when viewers griped about losing favorites.
The who is in Death in Paradise question drives fan chatter online. Join discussions on X to share your thoughts on the new cast—it’s a great way to connect with other fans. Edinburgh News has a good piece on the Season 14 cast for extra context. Knowing the cast helps you follow the season’s twists and feel more invested.
Episode-Specific Cast Highlights
Let’s look at some key episodes to see how the cast shines.
Christmas Special 2024
The Christmas special on December 22, 2024, introduced Don Gilet as Mervin and brought back Danny John-Jules as Dwayne Myers. The plot? A wild triple Santa murder. Michelle Greenidge plays Mervin’s mom, Paulette Brice, setting up his arc. This episode’s a must-watch to understand Mervin’s motivations. Stream it on BBC iPlayer if you missed it.
Episode 2: Game Show Murder
Episode 2, aired February 7, 2025, features a contestant stabbed mid-air on a zipline. Guest stars Adam James, Bhavna Limbachia, and Simon Lennon bring the drama. Mervin’s skills get tested here, and the guest stars make it a standout. Catch it on BBC One or iPlayer to see them in action.
Episode 6: Dating App Mystery
Episode 6, aired March 7, 2025, dives into a murder tied to a dating app, with a bullet as a clue. Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge plays Sterling Fox, a potential new Commissioner, alongside Charlotte Spencer and Gerard Horan. This one’s big for Selwyn’s storyline. Stream it on iPlayer to catch Sterling’s entrance. For more episode details, Wales Online has a breakdown of Episode 3’s cast that ties into similar vibes.
Read our “Death in Paradise Season 14 Episode Guide” for a full rundown of episodes.
Conclusion
The cast of Death in Paradise Season 14 is a mix of fresh faces and old favorites, from Don Gilet’s intense Mervin Wilson to Don Warrington’s embattled Selwyn Patterson. Guest stars like Tobi Bakare and Michelle Greenidge add extra flavor. Knowing who is in Death in Paradise lets you dive deeper into the show’s mysteries and emotional beats. Share your favorite cast member in the comments below, and subscribe for more Death in Paradise updates. Want to know how to watch? Check our post on “How to Watch Death in Paradise Season 14 Online.”
FAQ
Who is the new detective in Death in Paradise Season 14?
Don Gilet plays DI Mervin Wilson, a London cop taking over from Ralf Little’s Neville Parker.
Is Dwayne Myers back in the Death in Paradise cast in 2025?
Danny John-Jules returns as Dwayne Myers for the Christmas special but leaves to care for his father, not staying for the full season.
Who are the guest stars in Death in Paradise Season 14?
Look out for Tobi Bakare (JP Hooper), Michelle Greenidge, Adam James, Bhavna Limbachia, and Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge, among others.
Will Don Warrington leave as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson?
Selwyn’s job is at risk, but his exit isn’t confirmed. The show’s history shows it can handle cast changes.
Where can I watch Death in Paradise Season 14?
Stream on BBC iPlayer (UK) or BritBox (US). Episodes air Fridays at 9 PM on BBC One.
