Joséphine Jobert’s Exit from Death in Paradise and Her New Role in Saint-Pierre

Why did Joséphine Jobert leave Death in Paradise? Explore her reasons, her new role in Saint-Pierre, and what’s next for the French actress in 2025. Read now!

Introduction

Joséphine Jobert, the French actress who brought Detective Sergeant Florence Cassell to life in Death in Paradise, has been a fan favorite for nearly a decade. Her departure from the BBC series left viewers wondering why she walked away from the sunny shores of Saint Marie. In 2025, Jobert’s career is taking a bold new direction with her starring role as Deputy Chief Geneviève 'Arch' Archambault in the Canadian drama Saint-Pierre. Fans are buzzing about her exit, her new project, and whether she’ll ever return to the Death in Paradise universe. 

This article digs into the real reasons behind her departure, what makes Saint-Pierre different, and how her career is evolving. Drawing from recent interviews and updates, like her March 2025 video to fans and Saint-Pierre’s January premiere, we’ll unpack her journey and what it means for viewers. Let’s get into it.

Why Joséphine Jobert Left Death in Paradise

Jobert’s exit from Death in Paradise wasn’t a one-time event—she left and returned multiple times. She first joined in 2015 for season four, left in 2019 after season eight, came back for seasons 10 and 11, and made a final guest appearance in 2024 for season 13. Her initial departure in 2019 was emotional. In a video shared on X, she explained it was due to “personal and professional reasons,” but stressed, “nothing dramatic, I swear, everything is fine.”

 She’d been on the show for five years, filming in Guadeloupe’s heat, and felt it was time to move on. The grind of a long-running series, plus the emotional weight of her character’s story—like Florence’s fiancé Patrice being killed—played a part. Fans were gutted, with some on Reddit calling her “the heart and soul of the show.”

Coming back wasn’t easy either. In a 2022 HELLO! interview, she admitted she thought her 2019 exit was permanent but returned to wrap up Florence’s story with Neville Parker (Ralf Little). By 2024, she was ready to close that chapter for good. Why? She wanted new challenges. Staying too long in one role can box an actor in, and Jobert was clear: “I’ve done my time on the show.” 

Common mistakes actors make include clinging to a single role for too long, risking typecasting. Jobert avoided this by diversifying her portfolio, but fans still hope for a cameo in Beyond Paradise. If she doesn’t move on, she risks being forever tied to Florence, limiting her range.

What’s Saint-Pierre All About?

In January 2025, Saint-Pierre premiered on CBC, introducing Jobert as Deputy Chief Geneviève 'Arch' Archambault. Unlike the cozy, sun-soaked mysteries of Death in Paradise, this Canadian drama is darker, set on the French territory of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, off Newfoundland’s coast. 

The show follows Arch, a Parisian transplant with mysterious reasons for being on the island, teaming up with Inspector Donny 'Fitz' Fitzpatrick (Allan Hawco), who’s exiled after digging into a politician’s shady dealings. The synopsis teases a “quaint tourist destination” hiding “the worst kind of criminal activity.” Think grittier crimes, less beachside charm.

Jobert described Saint-Pierre as “more serious” than Death in Paradise in a September 2024 Instagram Q&A. This shift matters because it shows her tackling a new genre, appealing to fans who want more intense drama. Filming began in May 2024 across Saint-Pierre et Miquelon and St. John’s, Newfoundland, with season two confirmed for Winter 2026. Common pitfalls for actors in new shows include struggling with a different tone, but Jobert’s bilingual skills and experience as Florence give her an edge. If she fails to connect with this role, she risks alienating fans expecting another lighthearted detective. But early buzz, like a November 2024 Radio Times trailer, suggests she’s nailing it.

How Joséphine’s New Role Differs from Florence Cassell

Florence Cassell was warm, intuitive, and tied to the emotional core of Death in Paradise. Arch, on the other hand, is a Parisian with a tougher edge, navigating a colder, more complex setting. In Saint-Pierre, Jobert’s character clashes with Fitz, whose policing style differs from hers. A November 2024 HELLO! post showed them in hazmat suits at a crime scene, hinting at high-stakes cases. 

This contrasts with Florence’s more personal, community-driven investigations. Jobert’s move to a “more serious” role shows her stretching her acting chops, which matters for longevity in a competitive industry.

Fans on X have noted the shift, with some saying Arch feels like “main character energy” compared to Florence’s supporting role. A mistake actors make is failing to adapt to new character dynamics—Jobert’s behind-the-scenes ease with Hawco, as she shared with CBC in January 2025, suggests she’s found the chemistry needed. If she doesn’t fully embrace Arch’s grit, the show could feel like a rehash of her past work, disappointing viewers. Her ability to pivot to a darker role while keeping fans hooked is key.

The Challenges of Transitioning to a New Show

Moving from a beloved series like Death in Paradise to a new project like Saint-Pierre isn’t simple. Jobert admitted to CBC in January 2025 that she was “freaking out” before filming, struggling to memorize lines and feeling the pressure of a co-lead role. Nerves are normal, but they can derail a performance if not managed. She overcame this by diving into the first take with Hawco, finding their dynamic instantly. This matters because chemistry drives procedural dramas—look at how Florence and Neville’s romance hooked Death in Paradise fans.

A common mistake is underestimating the cultural shift between shows. Death in Paradise’s Caribbean vibe was light, while Saint-Pierre’s French-Canadian setting demands a different energy. Jobert’s bilingual background (French and English, honed in Montreal) helps, but misjudging the tone could alienate viewers. Her success in Saint-Pierre hinges on delivering a fresh character while leveraging her Death in Paradise fanbase. If she leans too hard into Florence’s traits, she risks losing the new show’s unique edge.

Will Joséphine Jobert Return to the Death in Paradise Universe?

Fans are desperate for Jobert to return, especially after Florence’s happy ending with Neville in 2024. But she’s been firm about moving on. In a September 2024 HELLO! Q&A, she said, “I had a great time… but time to move on.” She doesn’t miss filming in Guadeloupe, despite fond memories. However, she’s teased a possible Beyond Paradise cameo, saying, “Yes, why not?” in a 2024 Instagram Live. This keeps fans hopeful, especially with Death in Paradise’s universe expanding through Beyond Paradise and Return to Paradise. A Reddit fan in March 2025 even suggested Florence could be the “first non-English DI,” showing her enduring popularity.

The risk of returning is diluting her new projects’ impact. Actors often make the mistake of revisiting old roles for fan service, which can stall career growth. If Jobert does a cameo, it needs to serve a purpose, like tying into Mervin Wilson’s story in series 15 (set for 2026). Ignoring fan demand entirely, though, could alienate her base.

What’s Next for Joséphine Jobert in 2025 and Beyond?

Beyond Saint-Pierre, Jobert’s cast in Concordia, an AI surveillance drama, showing her versatility. Filming for Saint-Pierre’s second season began in June 2025, with a Winter 2026 release on CBC Gem. Her Instagram posts, like a June 2025 update with Hawco, have fans buzzing, with comments like “Loved the first season!” She’s also hinted at producing her own projects, telling HELLO! in 2022 about a series pitch she worked on. This matters because actors who diversify—acting, producing, writing—stay relevant longer.

A common error is spreading too thin across projects, diluting quality. Jobert’s focus on high-profile roles like Saint-Pierre and Concordia shows she’s strategic. If she overcommits, she risks burnout or weaker performances. Her bilingual skills and family ties (like cousin Eva Green) give her an edge in global markets, but she’ll need to balance fan expectations with new roles to keep growing.

FAQs

Why did Joséphine Jobert leave Death in Paradise for good?

Jobert left Death in Paradise in 2019 for personal and professional reasons, feeling she’d spent enough time as Florence Cassell after five years. She returned briefly in 2021 and 2024 to wrap up storylines but told HELLO! in 2024, “I’ve done my time on the show.” She’s focused on new projects like Saint-Pierre to avoid typecasting and grow as an actress. Fans miss her, but she’s clear about moving forward.

What is Saint-Pierre about, and how is it different from Death in Paradise?

Saint-Pierre is a Canadian police drama premiering January 2025 on CBC, starring Jobert as Deputy Chief Geneviève 'Arch' Archambault. It’s set in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, a French territory with a darker, more serious tone than Death in Paradise’s lighthearted mysteries. Arch teams up with Inspector Fitz to solve gritty crimes, unlike Florence’s community-focused cases. Jobert called it “more serious” in a 2024 Q&A.

Will Joséphine Jobert appear in Beyond Paradise or Return to Paradise?

Jobert’s open to a Beyond Paradise cameo, saying “Why not?” in a 2024 Instagram Live, but she’s ruled out a full Death in Paradise return. A Return to Paradise appearance is less likely, as no direct links exist, though fans speculate about crossovers with Mervin Wilson’s story. Her focus is on Saint-Pierre and Concordia, so any cameo would be brief.

How can fans watch Saint-Pierre in 2025?

Saint-Pierre premiered January 6, 2025, on CBC and CBC Gem in Canada. International viewers may need a VPN to access CBC Gem, as no UK broadcaster was confirmed by November 2024. Check Radio Times for updates on global distribution. Season two is set for Winter 2026, so fans can catch up now to prepare.

What other projects is Joséphine Jobert working on?

Besides Saint-Pierre, Jobert’s cast in Concordia, an AI surveillance drama, playing Mathilde alongside Nanna Blondell and Ruth Bradley. She’s also explored producing, mentioning a series pitch in 2022 to HELLO!. Her diverse roles show she’s avoiding typecasting, building on her bilingual skills and Death in Paradise fame.

Conclusion

Joséphine Jobert’s journey from Death in Paradise to Saint-Pierre marks a pivotal shift in her career. Leaving Florence Cassell behind was tough but necessary, driven by her need for new challenges after nearly a decade on the BBC series. Her role as Arch in Saint-Pierre offers a darker, more serious vibe, appealing to fans craving intense drama. With Concordia and potential producing gigs on the horizon, Jobert’s 2025 is packed with opportunity. Fans still hold out hope for a Beyond Paradise cameo, but her focus is clear: new roles, new stories. Want to weigh in? Share your thoughts on her exit or Saint-Pierre in the comments, or check out our related posts for more on her career!