Death in Paradise Cast: Actors’ Favorite Episodes Revealed

Introduction

If you’re hooked on Death in Paradise, you’re not alone. This BBC crime drama, set on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie, has been a fan favorite since 2011, blending cozy mysteries with vibrant island vibes. But what do the actors themselves love about it? From Ben Miller’s uptight DI Richard Poole to Ralf Little’s quirky Neville Parker, the cast has shared their favorite episodes in interviews and on social media, giving us a peek into what makes filming this show so special. Why does this matter? Knowing the actors’ picks helps fans connect with the show on a deeper level, revealing behind-the-scenes moments and personal ties to the stories. For example, Don Warrington, who’s played Commissioner Selwyn Patterson since the start, recently hinted at emotional episodes in Season 14 that shook him up (RadioTimes.com, February 7, 2025). Let’s dive into the Death in Paradise actors’ favorite episodes, why they loved filming them, and what makes these picks stand out.

Ben Miller’s Pick: The Murder That Started It All

Ben Miller, who played DI Richard Poole from 2011 to 2014, kicked off Death in Paradise with a bang. His favorite episode? The very first one, Season 1, Episode 1, aired on October 25, 2011. Why? Miller loved how it set up Poole’s fish-out-of-water story—a stuffy British detective dropped into the Caribbean heat, clashing with the laid-back Saint Marie police team. In an interview, he said the episode’s charm came from the “witty chemistry” with Sara Martins’ Camille Bordey, whose teasing pushed Poole to loosen up (Rotten Tomatoes, October 25, 2011). Filming in Guadeloupe was a highlight, though Miller admitted struggling with the heat, much like his character. A common mistake? Underestimating how the tropical setting shaped the show’s tone—too serious, and it’d lose its charm. If the episode hadn’t nailed this balance, the series might not have hooked its massive audience. Fans on X often cite this episode as a nostalgic favorite, praising Miller’s deadpan humor.

Kris Marshall’s Choice: A London Adventure

Kris Marshall, DI Humphrey Goodman from Seasons 3 to 6, picked the two-part “Man Overboard” (Season 6, Episodes 5 and 6) as his standout. Why? It broke the show’s formula by taking the team to London, a rare shift from Saint Marie’s beaches. Marshall told Digital Spy he loved the challenge of filming in a gritty, cold city, contrasting the usual sunny vibe (December 10, 2024). The episodes introduce DI Jack Mooney while Humphrey solves a complex case tied to his love life, blending humor with emotional depth. Marshall said the cast’s banter in London’s chilly streets felt like “a holiday from paradise.” A pitfall here? Rushing the transition between detectives could’ve alienated fans, but the writers nailed it by keeping Humphrey’s exit heartfelt. If they’d botched this, the show’s momentum might’ve stalled. Fans on X still rave about this duology for its fresh setting and Marshall’s quirky charm.

Ardal O’Hanlon’s Emotional Favorite: A Christmas Special

Ardal O’Hanlon, who played DI Jack Mooney from Seasons 6 to 9, chose the 2021 Christmas Special as his favorite. This episode, aired December 2021, brings back Danny John-Jules as Dwayne Myers, and O’Hanlon told Hello! he loved the “nostalgic charm” of reuniting with the team (December 10, 2024). The plot mixes festive cheer with a murder mystery, and O’Hanlon enjoyed how it balanced humor with deeper themes like family and forgiveness. Filming in Guadeloupe’s festive season added warmth, though he admitted the fake snow was a hassle. A common mistake in holiday specials is leaning too hard into gimmicks, but this one kept the show’s core—clever mysteries and team camaraderie. If it had gone overly sappy, it might’ve lost its edge. Fans on X praise this episode for Dwayne’s return and the emotional team dinner scene, calling it a “heartwarming classic.”

Ralf Little’s Standout: The 100th Episode Milestone

Ralf Little, DI Neville Parker from Seasons 9 to 13, picked the 100th episode (Season 13, Episode 4, aired February 2024) as his favorite. Why? It marked a historic moment for the show, with guest star Sean Maguire reprising his role from the pilot, a rare move for Death in Paradise. Little told RadioTimes.com he loved the “full-circle vibe” and the chance to work with Maguire again, having guest-starred with him in 2013 (February 3, 2024). The episode’s complex case, involving a murder with alibis galore, kept Little on his toes. Filming was intense, with tight schedules in Guadeloupe, and Little said the crew’s energy made it unforgettable. A mistake to avoid? Overloading the milestone with fan service, which could’ve felt forced. If they’d messed this up, it might’ve disappointed loyal viewers. X posts from February 2024 show fans buzzing about Maguire’s return and Little’s chemistry with the team.

Don Warrington’s Pick: A Personal Crisis

Don Warrington, the ever-present Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, chose Season 14’s opener (aired January 31, 2025) as his top episode. In an interview with RadioTimes.com, Warrington said the plot—where Selwyn faces the potential loss of his job—hit hard, calling it a “bolt from the blue” (February 7, 2025). He loved exploring Selwyn’s vulnerability, a shift from his usual stoic role. Filming in Guadeloupe’s lush settings added emotional weight, though Warrington noted the challenge of staying serious in paradise. A common error? Making the commissioner’s arc too dramatic, which could’ve clashed with the show’s light tone. If mishandled, it might’ve alienated fans who love Selwyn’s calm authority. X posts from January 2025 show fans praising Warrington’s “raw” performance, with some calling it his best yet. This episode’s personal stakes make it a standout for the veteran actor.

Joséphine Jobert’s Favorite: A Dangerous Undercover Case

Joséphine Jobert, who played DS Florence Cassell across multiple seasons, picked Season 11, Episode 4, where Florence goes undercover and faces danger. Jobert told RadioTimes.com she loved the “high stakes” and the chance to show Florence’s gutsy side (January 7, 2022). The episode’s murder mystery, tied to social media, felt fresh, and Jobert enjoyed filming intense scenes in Guadeloupe’s vibrant markets. She said the cast’s trust in each other made the risky scenes work. A mistake to avoid? Overcomplicating the undercover plot, which could’ve confused viewers. If the episode had lost focus, it might’ve weakened Florence’s arc. Fans on X in 2022 called this episode “thrilling,” loving Jobert’s chemistry with Ralf Little’s Neville. Jobert’s pick highlights her love for pushing Florence beyond the usual detective role.

Why These Episodes Matter to Fans and Actors

These favorite episodes aren’t just actor picks—they’re windows into what makes Death in Paradise tick. Each one shows the cast stretching their characters, whether it’s Miller’s awkward Poole warming up or Warrington’s Selwyn facing a crisis. Why does this matter? It shows how the actors’ personal connections to the show shape its heart. Filming in Guadeloupe’s stunning but humid settings adds authenticity, though actors often mention the heat as a challenge. Common mistakes, like overcomplicating plots or leaning too hard into drama, risk losing the show’s cozy charm. If the balance tips, viewers might tune out, as seen in some X posts criticizing later seasons’ formulaic feel. These episodes, chosen by the cast, nail the mix of mystery, humor, and heart, keeping fans hooked for 14 seasons.

FAQs

What makes Death in Paradise actors’ favorite episodes so special?

The actors’ favorite episodes often blend personal growth with unique settings or plots. For example, Ben Miller loved Season 1, Episode 1 for its introduction of Richard Poole’s dynamic with Camille, while Kris Marshall picked “Man Overboard” for its London twist (Digital Spy, December 10, 2024). These episodes stand out because they challenge the actors, deepen character arcs, or break the show’s formula, keeping fans engaged.

Why do actors leave Death in Paradise so often?

Cast changes are common due to the show’s demanding shoot in Guadeloupe. Ben Miller left to prioritize family after his wife’s pregnancy (Digital Spy, December 10, 2024). Kris Marshall cited family reasons too, as filming far from home became tough (RadioTimes.com, February 7, 2025). The long hours and distance can wear actors down, but many, like Ardal O’Hanlon, feel closure when they leave (Hello!, December 10, 2024).

How do actors prepare for Death in Paradise’s complex mysteries?

Actors like Ralf Little study scripts closely to nail the whodunit reveals, often rehearsing with the crew to ensure clues land naturally (RadioTimes.com, February 3, 2024). Don Warrington mentioned using Guadeloupe’s vibe to ground emotional scenes (RadioTimes.com, February 7, 2025). A common mistake is overacting the “eureka” moment, which can feel forced. Preparation keeps the mysteries tight and believable.

Do fans agree with the actors’ favorite episodes?

Fans often align with actors’ picks, especially for milestone episodes like the 100th (Season 13, Episode 4), which trended on X in February 2024 for Sean Maguire’s return. However, some X posts criticize later seasons for repetitive plots, showing not all fans vibe with every choice. The actors’ personal stakes, like Warrington’s in Season 14, often win fans over.

How does filming in Guadeloupe affect the actors’ experience?

Guadeloupe’s beauty is a draw, but the heat and humidity challenge actors, as Ben Miller noted (Rotten Tomatoes, October 25, 2011). Joséphine Jobert loved the vibrant markets for her undercover episode (RadioTimes.com, January 7, 2022). Mistakes like ignoring the setting’s impact can make scenes feel flat. The island’s charm shapes the show’s soul, per fan posts on X.

Conclusion

The Death in Paradise actors’ favorite episodes—from Ben Miller’s pilot to Don Warrington’s Season 14 opener—show why this show’s lasted 14 seasons. Each pick reveals what the cast loves: unique settings, emotional depth, or breaking the mold. Whether it’s Kris Marshall in London or Joséphine Jobert going undercover, these episodes mix mystery with heart, keeping fans glued. Filming in Guadeloupe adds magic but brings challenges like heat and tight schedules. Mistakes like overcomplicating plots or losing the cozy vibe can risk fan love, but these episodes nail it. Want to share your favorite Death in Paradise moment? Drop it in the comments or check out these episodes on BBC iPlayer.