Sara Martins’ Death in Paradise Exit: Why Camille Bordey Left and Why Fans Still Want Her Back

 Let’s talk about Sara Martins and her role as Camille Bordey in Death in Paradise. When she left the show in 2015, it was a gut punch for fans. Camille was a fan-favorite detective sergeant on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie, and her departure after four seasons left a hole in the show that people are still talking about in 2025. 

Why did she leave? What made her character so special? And why are fans on X and Reddit practically pleading for her to return as a DI? Let’s get into it—why her exit mattered, how it went down, what mistakes to avoid when revisiting her episodes, and what happens if you don’t appreciate her role in the show’s DNA.

Why Camille Bordey Was a Big Deal

Camille Bordey, played by Sara Martins, was a detective sergeant who appeared in 31 episodes of Death in Paradise from 2011 to 2015, with guest spots in 2021 and 2024. She was a former undercover investigator whose cover got blown during DI Richard Poole’s (Ben Miller) first case on Saint Marie.

Assigned to the Honoré Police, she became a key part of the team, often handling the tech side of investigations and bringing a sharp, emotional edge to the group. Fans loved her for her wit, charm, and willingness to challenge her bosses—whether it was Poole’s uptight British demeanor or Humphrey Goodman’s (Kris Marshall) bumbling style.

Her dynamic with Poole was electric. They started off clashing—her French openness versus his repressed English stiffness—but it grew into a close friendship with hints of romance. When Poole was killed off in season three, Camille’s grief was raw, and fans felt it too. She wasn’t just a sidekick; she was the team’s brain trust after Poole, often digging into computer work and pushing back when she disagreed with the lead detective. 

One Reddit user, Pebbles28c, put it well: “She spoke her mind and had great ideas. She pushed back if she disagreed. I feel the others after her were just there to prop up the Inspector.” That’s why her exit in season four stung so much—she wasn’t just a character, she was a force.

Why does this matter? Camille brought a unique energy to Death in Paradise. The show, set in Guadeloupe but playing as the fictional Saint Marie, mixes British and French cultures, and Camille embodied that blend. Her French-Portuguese background (Martins was born in Faro, Portugal, of Cape Verdean descent and moved to France at age three) added authenticity to the show’s Caribbean vibe.

 She was also a strong female character who didn’t just follow orders, which made her stand out in a genre where supporting roles can feel flat. Fans on X and Reddit in 2025 still rank her in their top characters, with some, like Fivezero_ca, calling her “by far my fave” for her humor and background presence.

Why Sara Martins Left in 2015

So, why did Sara Martins walk away from Death in Paradise in January 2015, halfway through season four? It wasn’t because the showrunners wanted her gone. In interviews with What’s On TV and other outlets, Martins called the decision “tremendously hard” but necessary for her personal growth. She said, “I’ve loved everything about the show.

But the only way to grow in life is to take risks, even if it means losing something you love, or leaving a place that’s comfortable.” She was drawn to new challenges, and the unknown, though “scary,” was exciting.

Her exit storyline was carefully crafted. Camille was offered an undercover job in Paris, and after sharing a kiss with Humphrey Goodman, she sailed off from Saint Marie in episode four of season four. The writers didn’t kill her off, which was deliberate. Martins herself noted, “We wanted to make the best exit, and they didn’t want to kill me off—there was no reason to. And who knows?

 There’s always the possibility I can come back!” This left the door open, and sure enough, she returned for guest spots in season 10 (2021) and season 13 (2024).

What else played into her decision? Filming in Guadeloupe wasn’t always a tropical dream. Martins mentioned the grueling 12-hour days and learning lines in English, which wasn’t her first language (she’s fluent in Portuguese, French, and English). She also found being away from home tough and jokingly said she wouldn’t miss the cockerels waking her up. 

Plus, during season one, she tore her Achilles tendon during a stunt, requiring two weeks of recovery in London after surgery. These challenges added up, and after four years, she was ready to try something new.

Her Returns and Why Fans Want More

Martins didn’t stay gone for good. She came back in 2021 for a two-part special in season 10, episodes five and six, when Camille’s mother, Catherine Bordey (Élizabeth Bourgine), was attacked. Camille returned to Saint Marie to help solve the case and had a heartfelt moment with the “ghost” of Richard Poole. In 2024, she popped up again in season 13, episode one, via a video call with DI Neville Parker (Ralf Little), offering advice for the show’s 100th episode.

 These cameos kept fans hopeful, and Martins has never ruled out more returns. In 2024, she told Radio Times, “I always say no, and I always come back—even if it’s for one episode or one scene, the producers always come up with a nice idea that makes me smile. I’m so connected to the show. I will be committed forever.”

Fans are vocal about wanting her back full-time, especially as a DI. On Reddit, users like Fivezero_ca have said, “Always hoped they might bring her back as a DI one day.” Others, like Wonderful_Citron_518, admitted, “I stopped watching after Camille left, couldn’t stand Humphrey.” The chatter on X in 2025 echoes this, with fans praising her as the “best character outside the lead detective.” 

Why the obsession? Camille’s mix of intelligence, humor, and defiance made her more than a supporting role—she felt like the heart of the team. Her chemistry with Poole and Goodman, plus her strong-willed nature, set her apart from later characters like Florence Cassell (Joséphine Jobert), who some fans felt were less dynamic.

How to Watch Camille’s Episodes Right

If you’re diving into Death in Paradise to see why Camille’s such a big deal, here’s how to approach her episodes. Start with season one, episode one (Arriving in Paradise), where she’s introduced, and go through season four, episode four (Until Death Do You Part). Her guest spots in season 10, episodes five and six (Music To My Ears and Fake Or Fortune), and season 13, episode one, are worth catching too.

 All episodes are on BBC iPlayer or Prime Video in many regions, so check your local listings. Plan for about 45-60 minutes per episode, and with 31 episodes total for her main run, that’s roughly 20-25 hours of viewing.

Focus on her interactions with Poole and Goodman. Her early clashes with Poole in seasons one and two show her fiery side, while her softer moments with Goodman in season four hint at romance. Pay attention to her tech skills—she’s often on the computer, digging up key clues. 

Don’t skip the small scenes where she’s in the background; fans like Fivezero_ca love her subtle humor there. If you’re watching with subtitles, make sure they’re on for the French dialogue, as Camille’s cultural roots come through in her speech.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t make the mistake of starting with her later seasons or cameos. Camille’s arc builds from her rocky start with Poole to her growth as a detective, and jumping to season four or her 2021 return will leave you confused about her depth. 

Another pitfall is watching Death in Paradise as background noise. The show’s charm is in its character dynamics and clever plots, and Camille’s wit shines in the details. If you’re not paying attention, you’ll miss why fans call her “exotically gorgeous” or a “great and funny actor.”

Don’t expect a gritty crime drama either. Death in Paradise is lighthearted, with no sex or swearing, and Camille’s humor leans into that vibe. If you go in wanting The Wire, you’ll be disappointed. Also, don’t assume her exit means she’s gone for good—her cameos prove the showrunners know her value. Finally, don’t ignore the cultural context. Camille’s French-Portuguese identity and her contrast with British detectives like Poole are central to her appeal. Missing that makes her feel like just another cop.

What Happens If You Don’t Get Camille’s Appeal?

If you breeze through Death in Paradise without appreciating Camille, you’re missing half the show’s heart. Her departure in 2015 shifted the dynamic—some fans, like those on Reddit, argue the show lost its spark when she left, with later characters feeling like “props” for the lead detective. 

Without her, the team can feel less vibrant, and you might not connect with the show’s mix of humor and mystery. If you skip her episodes or don’t catch her cameos, you’ll miss key emotional beats, like her grief over Poole or her bond with her mother, Catherine.

Worse, if you don’t get why fans love her, you might not see why Death in Paradise has lasted 14 seasons. Camille’s strength, humor, and defiance set the tone for the show’s early success. Ignoring her is like skipping the first act of a play—you’ll still get the story, but it won’t hit as hard. 

And if you’re hoping for her return as a DI, not understanding her past makes it harder to join the fan campaigns on X and Reddit pushing for her comeback.

Why It Still Matters in 2025

Sara Martins’ exit in 2015 was more than just a cast change—it marked a turning point for Death in Paradise. Fans still feel the loss, with many calling her the best non-lead character in the show’s history.

 Her decision to leave for growth shows how actors weigh comfort against risk, and her openness to returning keeps hope alive. In 2024, she’s starring in Prime Video’s Those About to Die as Cala, a role she says shares Camille’s strength and adaptability, proving her range.

The show’s new DI, Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet), takes over in the 2025 Christmas special, and fans are already speculating about Camille popping up to guide him. Martins’ comments about being “committed forever” to the show fuel that hope. 

Whether she returns for a scene or a season, her legacy as Camille Bordey is secure. She brought intelligence, humor, and heart to Saint Marie, and fans aren’t letting her go quietly.