Why Did Joséphine Jobert Leave Death in Paradise? Fans Get Answers in 2025
Joséphine Jobert, who played DS Florence Cassell in Death in Paradise from 2015 to 2024, walked away from the sun-soaked Saint Marie set for the final time in season 13, leaving fans gutted and curious.
Her character’s exit, sailing off with DI Neville Parker (Ralf Little) after solving a case in St. Auguste, wrapped up a nine-year run across 54 episodes. In March 2025, Jobert told Wales Online, “It was time to move on. I had a great time, met amazing people, but I’m happy to take on new projects.” She’s now starring in Saint-Pierre, a Canadian police drama, and Concordia, an AI thriller, both in 2025.
Fans on X are buzzing, with one saying, “Joséphine’s killing it as Arch in Saint-Pierre!” But why did she leave Death in Paradise? How do you cope with her exit? And what’s the deal with her new roles? Let’s dig into the reasons, the impact, and how fans can keep up, with tips to avoid missing out and a prompt to share your feelings.
Why Joséphine Jobert Left Death in Paradise
Jobert’s journey as Florence Cassell started in 2015, joining Death in Paradise in season four as a Jamaican-born sergeant replacing Fidel Best. She was promoted to Detective Sergeant after Camille Bordey (Sara Martins) left, working alongside DIs like Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) and Neville Parker.
Her first exit came in 2019, after season eight’s dramatic two-parter where her fiancé, Patrice Campbell (Leemore Marrett Jr.), was murdered, and she nearly died from a gunshot wound.
She told fans on X, “I’m leaving for personal and professional reasons—nothing dramatic, I swear!” She cited the grueling five-month shoots in Guadeloupe, away from family, and a need to explore new roles after five years as Florence. “I loved every minute, but it’s been a tough decision,” she said in a video message.
She returned in 2021 for season 10, drawn by a cliffhanger where Neville confessed his feelings for Florence. Jobert told HELLO! in 2022, “I couldn’t not come back—it’d be unfair to the audience.” But she knew it wasn’t forever. In season 11, Florence took on a risky undercover mission as an au pair to catch drug trafficker Miranda Priestley (Victoria Ekanoye).
The operation, detailed in episode four, saw her uncover Miranda’s role in three murders, but it stirred up memories of Patrice’s death. Florence decided to leave Saint Marie again, telling Neville, “This island has too many painful memories.” Jobert explained to Digital Spy, “I felt I did everything I could with Florence. I need to move on.”
Her final stint was a guest appearance in 2024’s season 13, episodes six and seven. Florence emerged from witness protection to solve a complex case on St. Auguste, reuniting with Neville via FaceTime and in person. She admitted missing him more than expected, and they left together for a new life.
Jobert hinted at this return in May 2023, commenting flame emojis on the show’s Instagram post about season 13 filming, sparking fan speculation. In a September 2024 Instagram Q&A, she said, “I’ve definitely done my time on the show.
I’m grateful, but I’m happy to move on.” She ruled out a full return but left the door open for a Beyond Paradise cameo, telling HELLO!, “Maybe for a special episode, why not? Not next year, but maybe in a few years.”
Why does this matter? Jobert spent nearly a decade as Florence, navigating heavy storylines like Patrice’s murder and Neville’s romance. The Guadeloupe shoots—12-hour days in humid heat—were tough, and she told Radio Times in 2021, “Being away from friends and family for five months, I was struggling.” Staying longer risked typecasting, limiting her to one role.
Her move to Saint-Pierre and Concordia shows she’s chasing diverse, challenging parts, like the gritty Arch in a Canadian procedural. Fans on X agree, with one posting, “She’s too talented to stay Florence forever.”
The Impact of Her Exit
Florence’s departure hit hard. Fans on Reddit, like Seasuighim, said, “I hoped she’d be DI—she’s got the smarts.” Others, like GiftedGeordie, added, “Naomi’s great, but Florence was irreplaceable.” Her exit in season 11, after the undercover mission, left Neville heartbroken, especially after he confessed his feelings and she saw him as a friend.
The season 13 finale gave closure, with their sail-off providing a happy ending, but fans still mourned. One X post read, “Florence leaving broke me—Neville and her were perfect.” Her absence leaves a gap in the Honoré Police, with DS Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson) stepping up since season 11.
For the show, Florence’s exit fits its pattern of rotating leads—Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O’Hanlon, and Ralf Little all left as DIs. Jobert’s departures (2019, 2022, 2024) mirror this, keeping the series fresh but sparking debate. Some fans on X argue, “They should’ve made her DI instead of Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet).”
Her 54 episodes made her a cornerstone, and her chemistry with co-stars like Don Warrington (Commissioner Selwyn) and Danny John-Jules (Dwayne) was a draw. Jobert shared behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram in 2022, captioning, “I’ll miss a lot of people from DIP,” showing her bond with the crew.
What’s Next for Joséphine Jobert?
Jobert’s not slowing down. In 2025, she stars as Deputy Chief Geneviève “Arch” Archambault in Saint-Pierre, a CBC police drama set in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, a French territory off Newfoundland. The show, which dropped January 6, 2025, has 10 episodes and pairs her with Allan Hawco (Inspector Donny “Fitz” Fitzpatrick) and James Purefoy. Unlike Death in Paradise’s cozy mysteries, Saint-Pierre is darker, with complex crimes and a focus on Arch’s mysterious past.
Jobert told HELLO! in 2024, “I’d say more serious,” with a winking emoji, hinting at its gritty tone. Fans on X love it, with one saying, “Joséphine as Arch is intense—way different from Florence!” Season two was confirmed in June 2025 for Winter 2026.
She’s also in Concordia, a 2024 AI surveillance drama, playing Mathilde in a futuristic city. It’s set for festival circuits or streaming in 2025, likely on Netflix. These roles show Jobert’s range, moving beyond Death in Paradise’s lighter vibe. Her bilingual skills (French and English, honed in Montreal from 1997–2005) make her a fit for global projects. She told CBC Media Centre, “Being bilingual opened doors I didn’t expect.” Her March 2025 statement to Wales Online doubled down: “I’m happy to take on new projects. It’s time to move on.”
How to Cope with Florence’s Exit
Losing a favorite character like Florence sucks, but here’s how to deal:
Rewatch Her Best Moments: Stream seasons 4–13 on BBC iPlayer or Prime Video. Key episodes include season 8’s two-parter (Patrice’s murder), season 11’s undercover arc (episode 4), and season 13’s finale. It’s about 54 hours of Florence’s wit and smarts.
Follow Jobert’s New Work: Watch Saint-Pierre on CBC Gem (10 episodes, 10 hours). Check @saintpierreseries on Instagram for updates, like the season two announcement. Track Concordia via Radio Times or Digital Spy for 2025 release news.
Join Fan Communities: Reddit and X are buzzing with Death in Paradise fans. Search “Florence Cassell” on X for reactions like, “Her goodbye with Neville was perfect.” Share your thoughts with #DeathInParadise.
Explore Similar Shows: Try Pushing Daisies or The Glades for cozy mysteries, or Hudson & Rex for Saint-Pierre’s grittier vibe. Check CBC or Prime Video for availability.
Stay Open to Returns: Jobert’s open to a Beyond Paradise cameo, so keep an eye on BBC announcements. She told HELLO!, “Maybe in a few years.”
Common Mistakes Fans Make
Don’t expect Saint-Pierre to feel like Death in Paradise. Fans on X have said, “Thought it’d be fun like Saint Marie, but it’s so dark.” It’s a procedural, not a cozy mystery, so adjust your expectations. Another mistake is skipping Saint-Pierre’s early episodes—Arch’s backstory unfolds slowly, and starting mid-season confuses the plot. An IMDb fan noted, “Started episode four and had no clue about Arch. Rewatched from one, and it clicked.”
Don’t assume Jobert’s gone for good. Her Beyond Paradise hint means a cameo’s possible, so don’t write her off. Also, don’t watch Death in Paradise reruns distractedly—Florence’s emotional arcs, like Patrice’s death, need focus. Finally, don’t rely on old sources claiming she left for “drama.” Jobert clarified in 2019, “Nothing dramatic, I swear!” Her exits were about growth, not conflict.
What Happens If You Don’t Keep Up?
If you ignore Jobert’s new projects, you’ll miss her evolution. Saint-Pierre shows her as a tougher detective, and Concordia dives into sci-fi. Skipping them means missing why X fans call her “a chameleon.” You’ll also lose out on fan discussions—one X user said, “Missed Saint-Pierre’s premiere and felt so out of the loop!” Not following her Instagram (@josephinejobert_official) means missing updates, like season two news or Q&As. You might also underestimate her impact, thinking she’s just Florence. Her 2025 roles prove she’s a global star, and missing them could mean overlooking similar shows like The Bridge. Plus, you won’t get to join the discussion below about her exit.
Timeline of Joséphine Jobert’s Death in Paradise Journey
2015: Joins as Florence Cassell in season 4, episode 1 (Stab in the Dark), replacing Fidel Best.
2019: Leaves after season 8, episode 6, after Patrice’s murder and her near-death. Cites “personal and professional reasons.”
2021: Returns for season 10, drawn by Neville’s cliffhanger feelings.
2022: Exits in season 11, episode 4, after an undercover mission stirs trauma.
2023: Hints at return via Instagram comments on season 13 filming post.
2024: Guest-stars in season 13, episodes 6–7, leaving with Neville.
March 2025: Tells Wales Online, “It’s time to move on,” focusing on Saint-Pierre and Concordia.
Discussion Prompt: How Did Florence’s Exit Hit You?
How did you feel about Florence Cassell’s final exit in season 13? Were you happy with her happy ending with Neville, or did you want her as DI? Drop your thoughts in the comments or on X with #FlorenceCassellExit. Did her goodbye feel right, or are you holding out for a Beyond Paradise cameo?
Why This Matters in 2025
Jobert’s exit from Death in Paradise closes a chapter for one of TV’s most beloved detectives. Her nine years as Florence made her a fan favorite, with 54 episodes of sharp sleuthing and emotional depth. Her March 2025 comments show she’s ready for new challenges, like Saint-Pierre’s gritty Arch and Concordia’s futuristic Mathilde. For fans, it’s a chance to follow her growth and see how her bilingual, multicultural background shapes her roles. X posts like, “Joséphine’s killing it in Saint-Pierre!” show the hype is real. Whether you’re rewatching Florence’s episodes or diving into Saint-Pierre on CBC Gem, Jobert’s journey is worth following. Share your take below, and let’s keep the Death in Paradise love alive.
