Top 10 Death in Paradise Actors Ranked by Fan Popularity

Introduction

Death in Paradise, that sunny, murder-filled show set on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie, has hooked millions since 2011. It’s not just the clever whodunits or the lush Guadeloupe backdrop—it’s the cast that keeps fans coming back. From Danny John-Jules’ laid-back Dwayne Myers to Sara Martins’ sharp Camille Bordey, the actors bring charm and quirks that spark endless debates on X and fan polls. Why does this matter? Because the show’s revolving door of detectives and officers creates a unique fan culture where everyone has a favorite. Social media buzz, like recent X posts lamenting Dwayne’s absence in 2025, shows how much these characters resonate. This article ranks the top 10 actors based on fan popularity, pulling from web sources like IMDb, Radio Times, and X trends as of July 29, 2025. Ready to see who tops the list and relive their best scenes? Let’s dive in.

1. Danny John-Jules as Dwayne Myers

Danny John-Jules, known for his role as Officer Dwayne Myers, is a fan favorite for his cool, laid-back vibe. Appearing in 57 episodes from 2011 to 2024, he’s the longest-serving officer besides Don Warrington’s Commissioner. Fans on X went wild when Dwayne returned for the 2021 Christmas special, with posts calling him “irreplaceable.” His popularity stems from his maverick approach—think undercover missions and bending rules without crossing into crime. A memorable scene? In “Beyond the Shining Sea” (2019), Dwayne’s emotional reunion with his estranged father, Nelson, had fans tearing up. Mistakes to avoid: don’t expect Dwayne to be a by-the-book cop; his charm is in his rule-skirting flair. If he were too rigid, he’d lose that spark fans adore. John-Jules’ exit in series 8 for theater roles left a gap, and his 2024 special return proved his enduring appeal.

2. Sara Martins as Camille Bordey

Sara Martins’ Camille Bordey, the sharp-witted Detective Sergeant, ranks high for her chemistry with Ben Miller’s Richard Poole. From series 1 to 4, plus a 2020 return, her forensic skills and bold personality won hearts. Fans on Reddit praised her “spark” in a 2024 thread, especially in scenes like the series 3 finale where she solves a case with Poole’s ghostly advice. Why she matters: Camille’s mix of professionalism and warmth bridges the British-Caribbean divide. Common mistake? Fans sometimes overlook her quieter moments, like her emotional Paris exit in series 4. Without her grounding presence, the show risks feeling too formulaic. Martins’ French background adds authenticity, and her brief 2024 return for a video call birth scene had fans buzzing on X. Her departure for new challenges was a loss, but her sporadic returns keep her in the top tier.

3. Don Warrington as Selwyn Patterson

Don Warrington’s Commissioner Selwyn Patterson is the steady hand guiding Saint Marie’s police since 2011. His authoritative yet warm presence makes him a fan staple, with X posts in 2025 calling him “the glue of the show.” Warrington’s 100+ episodes showcase Selwyn’s knack for handling politically charged cases, like advising Poole on a notorious pirate’s treasure in series 3. A standout scene: his shocked reaction to a job dissolution threat in series 14 (2025), which had fans rallying on social media. Why he’s key: Selwyn’s backstory, like his one-day jail stint for parking fines, adds depth. Mistake to avoid: underestimating his subtle humor—without it, he’d be a flat bureaucrat. If Warrington overplayed the role, it could feel cartoonish. His consistent presence and recent Beyond Paradise role cement his rank.

4. Ben Miller as Richard Poole

Ben Miller’s DI Richard Poole, the fish-out-of-water detective from series 1 to 3, is a fan darling for his quirky brilliance. His meticulous nature clashed hilariously with Saint Marie’s heat, earning praise on IMDb for “comedic brilliance.” A iconic scene: in “Arriving in Paradise” (2011), Poole’s sweaty struggle with a tie had fans laughing. Why he matters: his logical approach set the show’s tone. Common error? Fans sometimes forget his personal growth, like his bond with Camille. His 2014 exit for family reasons—his wife’s pregnancy—made sense, but his death in series 3 shocked viewers. If Miller hadn’t balanced humor with heart, Poole could’ve been unlikable. His brief 2020 return kept fans talking, with X posts in 2025 still begging for more.

5. Kris Marshall as Humphrey Goodman

Kris Marshall’s DI Humphrey Goodman (series 3-6) brought a quirky, kind-hearted vibe that fans still rave about on X. His clumsy charm and sharp deductions, like solving a locked-room mystery in series 4, won over audiences. A fan-favorite moment: his awkward romance with Martha in series 6, which sparked a Beyond Paradise spin-off in 2023. Why he’s loved: Humphrey’s relatability makes complex cases feel human. Mistake to avoid: don’t expect him to be as rigid as Poole; his strength is his warmth. Without it, the show could feel cold. Marshall’s 2017 exit for family time didn’t dim his popularity, with 2025 X posts calling for his return. His 30+ episodes and spin-off keep him high on the list.

6. Joséphine Jobert as Florence Cassell

Joséphine Jobert’s Florence Cassell, a Sergeant across series 4-11, is adored for her resilience. Fans on X in 2025 praised her return in series 13, especially her emotional farewell with Neville. A standout scene: her undercover work in series 11, risking her life, had fans on edge. Why she matters: Florence’s growth from loss (her fiancé’s death) adds depth. Common mistake: overlooking her quieter strength for flashier characters. Without her balance, the team could feel one-dimensional. Jobert’s multiple exits—2022 for personal reasons, then 2024—kept fans hoping for more. Her French flair and 40+ episodes secure her spot.

7. Ralf Little as Neville Parker

Ralf Little’s DI Neville Parker (series 9-13) won fans with his awkward charm and tech-savvy sleuthing. X posts in 2025 mourned his 2024 exit, with fans loving his series 13 love confession to Florence. A key scene: solving a cyber-crime case in series 12, showcasing his modern edge. Why he matters: Neville’s vulnerability made him relatable. Mistake to avoid: expecting him to be a traditional hero; his quirks are his strength. If he were too polished, he’d lose appeal. Little’s departure for closure felt final, but fans still hope for a cameo. His 30+ episodes keep him high.

8. Tobi Bakare as JP Hooper

Tobi Bakare’s JP Hooper, a Sergeant from series 4-10, is loved for his earnestness. His return in series 14 (2025) sparked X buzz, with fans citing his mentorship under Dwayne in series 4 as a highlight. A memorable moment: JP’s wedding in series 7, blending humor and heart. Why he’s key: his local ties bridge cultural gaps. Mistake? Fans sometimes miss his quieter growth. Without his sincerity, the show could feel shallow. Bakare’s Kingsman roles add to his cred, and his 50+ episodes earn him a spot.

9. Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey

Élizabeth Bourgine’s Catherine Bordey, the bar-owning mayor since series 1, is a fan favorite for her warmth. X posts in 2025 praised her matchmaking attempts for Neville. A standout scene: her defense of Selwyn in series 14, showing her loyalty. Why she matters: Catherine’s bar scenes ground the team. Mistake: overlooking her subtle influence. Without her, the show misses heart. Bourgine’s French roles, like Maigret (2020), add depth, and her 100+ episodes secure her rank.

10. Shantol Jackson as Naomi Thomas

Shantol Jackson’s Naomi Thomas, a Sergeant since series 11, rounds out the list with her growing fanbase. X posts in 2025 lauded her emotional arc with an old flame in series 14. A key scene: her first homicide case in series 11, proving her mettle. Why she’s rising: Naomi’s fresh perspective adds energy. Mistake: assuming she’s just a replacement; her unique backstory shines. Without her, the team could stagnate. Jackson’s Yardie role boosts her cred, and her 20+ episodes show promise.

FAQs

Who is the most popular Death in Paradise actor?

Danny John-Jules as Dwayne Myers tops fan polls, with X posts in 2025 calling him “the heart of the show.” His laid-back charm and 57 episodes make him iconic. Fans love his “Beyond the Shining Sea” reunion scene.

Why do fans love Sara Martins’ Camille Bordey?

Sara Martins’ Camille is adored for her wit and chemistry with Ben Miller. Her series 3 finale case-solving moment is a fan favorite. X buzz in 2024 praised her 2020 return, showing her lasting appeal.

What’s a memorable Dwayne Myers scene?

In “Beyond the Shining Sea” (2019), Dwayne’s emotional reunion with his father, Nelson, struck a chord. Fans on X in 2025 still call it a tear-jerker, highlighting John-Jules’ range.

Why do actors leave Death in Paradise?

Frequent exits, like Ben Miller’s for family or Danny John-Jules’ for theater, stem from personal or career shifts. The show’s demanding Guadeloupe shoot also factors in. Fans on X often lament these changes but welcome returns.

Who’s the new lead in 2025?

Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson debuted in the 2024 Christmas special. Fans on X are mixed, citing his “rude” vibe, but his EastEnders fame and series 14 arc are generating buzz.

How do fans rank Death in Paradise actors?

Fan rankings on X and Reddit focus on chemistry, memorable scenes, and longevity. Polls often favor Danny John-Jules and Sara Martins for their iconic roles, with 2025 posts highlighting Dwayne’s absence.

Conclusion

Death in Paradise thrives on its vibrant cast, from Danny John-Jules’ cool Dwayne to Shantol Jackson’s rising Naomi. Fans on X and Reddit keep the buzz alive, debating favorites and reliving scenes like Dwayne’s fatherly reunion or Camille’s sharp case-solving. The show’s mix of humor, heart, and mystery owes much to these actors, whose exits and returns keep Saint Marie dynamic. Who’s your top pick? Share in the comments or vote in our poll to keep the conversation going!