The Cast of Death in Paradise: How They Handle Guadeloupe’s Heat

Introduction

Filming Death in Paradise on the stunning Caribbean island of Guadeloupe sounds like a dream gig, right? Crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and a vibrant Creole culture. But for the Death in Paradise cast, including stars like Don Gilet, Ralf Little, and Shantol Jackson, the tropical climate brings some real challenges. With temperatures averaging 27°C and humidity that can feel "off the charts," as Ardal O’Hanlon once put it, the actors have to battle sweat, bugs, and wardrobe woes while solving fictional murders on the island of Saint Marie. Why does this matter? Because the behind-the-scenes grind of filming in Guadeloupe’s heat shapes the show’s vibe and the cast’s experience. For fans curious about the Death in Paradise cast 2024 or who is in Death in Paradise, this post dives into how these actors handle the heat, sharing real set stories and practical insights from sources like HELLO! and Metro News. Let’s get into it.

The Tropical Heat: A Constant Battle on Set

Guadeloupe’s climate doesn’t mess around. The French Caribbean archipelago, standing in for the fictional Saint Marie, has an average temperature of 27°C, but the humidity can make it feel way hotter. For the Death in Paradise actors, this means long days in heavy costumes under the sun. Ralf Little, who played DI Neville Parker from series 9 to 13, told HELLO! in 2022 about a particularly wild moment: the costume department had to blow-dry his shins because he’d sweated through his trousers. That’s the kind of thing you don’t think about when you’re watching the show’s sunny beach scenes.

Why does this matter? The heat affects performance. Actors have to stay sharp for complex dialogue and murder investigations, but high humidity can make you feel like you’re moving through molasses. Ardal O’Hanlon, who played DI Jack Mooney, described the police station set in Deshaies as a place where “you literally go into a daze” because of the intense humidity. Common mistakes? Not hydrating enough or underestimating the heat’s impact. If actors aren’t prepared, they risk flubbing lines or, worse, feeling faint. Proper hydration and cooling breaks are non-negotiable, but the tight filming schedule—often five to six months in Guadeloupe—makes it tough.

Wardrobe Woes: Dressing for Heat and Character

The Death in Paradise cast has to look the part, but their costumes aren’t exactly built for Guadeloupe’s climate. Take Ben Miller’s DI Richard Poole from series 1 to 3. His character insisted on wearing full suits, despite the heat, to maintain his uptight British vibe. Miller later admitted to Giggster that he struggled with those suits, which were wildly impractical for the tropical setting. The wardrobe team has to balance authenticity with comfort, but it’s not easy.

How do they manage? Lightweight fabrics and strategic costume changes help. For example, Don Gilet, the new DI Mervin Wilson in the 2024 Christmas Special and series 14, reportedly wears looser shirts to cope with the heat, a shift from the heavier attire of past DIs. But mistakes happen. If wardrobe choices are too heavy, actors can overheat, leading to delays. Shantol Jackson, who plays DS Naomi Thomas, told iNews she loves the island but relies on breathable clothing off-set to stay comfortable. The consequence of getting it wrong? You’re either drenched in sweat on camera or spending extra time in makeup to hide it. Fans might not notice, but the wardrobe team’s role is huge in keeping the Death in Paradise actors looking sharp.

Behind-the-Scenes Tricks to Beat the Heat

The cast and crew have developed some clever ways to handle Guadeloupe’s conditions. Ralf Little shared with The Times in 2023 that he’d often take a quick dip in the ocean between takes to cool off. It’s not just refreshing—it’s a mental reset when you’re filming for hours under the sun. Elizabeth Bourgine, who plays Catherine Bordey, prefers road trips to explore the island when shooting wraps, which she says helps her unwind from the heat’s intensity.

Why does this matter? These small habits keep morale high. Filming in Deshaies, the stand-in for Honoré, means long days at locations like Anse de la Perle beach or the police station (really the Church of St Peter and St Paul). Common mistakes include not planning for downtime or skipping sunscreen—bugs and sunburn are real issues. If actors don’t pace themselves, exhaustion can creep in, affecting chemistry on screen. The crew also uses fans and portable shade to help, but as Executive Producer Tim Key told HELLO! in 2020, the island’s beauty comes with logistical challenges like hurricanes, which once halted filming in 2017. Preparation is everything.

The Cast’s Love-Hate Relationship with Guadeloupe

The Death in Paradise cast 2024 doesn’t just endure the heat—they embrace the island’s charm, too. Shantol Jackson, a Jamaican actress playing DS Naomi Thomas, told iNews she loves filming in Guadeloupe because it lets her use her natural dialect, adding authenticity to the show. But she’s upfront about the heat being a challenge. Don Gilet, the newest lead, has a personal connection to Saint Marie in the show’s storyline, which mirrors his real-life appreciation for the island, despite his character’s grumbling about the slow pace.

How do they cope long-term? Many actors, like Ralf Little, end up calling Guadeloupe home during the five-to-six-month shooting period. Little told The Times he felt a “deep connection” to the island, spending more time there than in London or the US. Mistakes? Some actors underestimate how isolating it can feel being away from family, as Tobi Bakare noted to Radio Times. The consequence of not adapting is burnout, which can dull performances. But the cast’s love for Guadeloupe’s beaches and culture—like dining at Le Madras, the real-life Catherine’s Bar—keeps them grounded.

Filming Challenges: Hurricanes and Humidity

Guadeloupe’s tropical climate isn’t just about heat—it’s unpredictable. In 2017, Hurricane Irma forced a mid-season halt during series 7, as Ardal O’Hanlon told Radio Times. The crew tracks storms closely, but hurricanes like Irma and Maria, which devastated nearby Dominica, are a reminder of the risks. Humidity also messes with equipment, from cameras to sound gear, and the police station set in Deshaies can feel like a sauna.

Why does this matter for the Death in Paradise actors? It tests their resilience. Don Warrington, who’s played Commissioner Selwyn Patterson since the show began, has to deliver commanding scenes while battling the elements. A common mistake is not accounting for weather delays, which can throw off schedules. If the crew isn’t proactive, entire shooting days can be lost. The solution? Flexibility and backup plans, like shooting indoor scenes when storms hit. The cast’s ability to roll with these challenges is part of what makes the show’s sunny vibe so authentic.

How Fans and Tourists Add to the Heat

Guadeloupe’s role as Saint Marie draws fans from all over—UK, France, even Canada and Poland, as Ralf Little told The Times. Tourists flock to Deshaies to see spots like the Honoré Police Station or Anse de la Perle beach, where the DI’s shack is rebuilt each season. This can add pressure to filming. Little mentioned playing tour guide, showing fans the police station set when he had a spare moment.

Why does this matter? It’s a distraction, but it also boosts morale. Actors like Shantol Jackson enjoy meeting fans, but the heat makes these interactions trickier—nobody wants to chat when they’re melting. A common mistake is not setting boundaries, which can lead to exhaustion. If actors overextend themselves, it cuts into their focus. Still, the cast’s warmth toward fans reflects the show’s appeal, with over 8 million viewers per episode in the UK alone, according to Red Planet Pictures.

FAQs

Who is in the Death in Paradise cast for 2024?

The 2024 Christmas Special and series 14 feature Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson, alongside regulars like Don Warrington (Commissioner Selwyn Patterson), Shantol Jackson (DS Naomi Thomas), and Elizabeth Bourgine (Catherine Bordey). Guest stars include Tobi Bakare as JP Hooper and Anthony J. Abraham. Ralf Little left after series 13.

How do Death in Paradise actors deal with Guadeloupe’s heat?

Actors like Ralf Little cool off with ocean dips, while others, like Elizabeth Bourgine, take road trips to unwind. Lightweight costumes help, but the humidity in sets like the Deshaies police station can be brutal, requiring hydration and cooling breaks to avoid exhaustion.

Where is Death in Paradise filmed?

The show is filmed in Guadeloupe, with Deshaies standing in for the fictional Honoré. Key locations include Anse de la Perle beach for the DI’s shack and Le Madras restaurant as Catherine’s Bar. The tropical climate adds beauty but challenges like humidity and hurricanes.

Why do actors struggle with Guadeloupe’s climate?

The 27°C average temperature and high humidity make filming tough, especially in heavy costumes. Ardal O’Hanlon called the police station set a “daze”-inducing spot. Without proper hydration or breaks, actors risk fatigue, which can affect performance.

What are some behind-the-scenes stories from the set?

Ralf Little once had his shins blow-dried due to sweat-soaked trousers. Elizabeth Bourgine loves exploring Guadeloupe’s backroads, while Don Gilet’s character gripes about the heat, mirroring real cast struggles. Fans visiting Deshaies often get impromptu set tours from actors.

Conclusion

The Death in Paradise cast, from Don Gilet to Shantol Jackson, brings Saint Marie to life despite Guadeloupe’s relentless heat. They battle humidity with ocean dips, lightweight wardrobe tweaks, and a love for the island’s beauty, even when hurricanes or fans add chaos. These behind-the-scenes stories show their grit and joy in making one of the UK’s most-watched dramas, with over 8 million viewers tuning in. Whether it’s Ralf Little’s sweat-soaked shins or Elizabeth Bourgine’s road trips, the cast’s ability to handle the tropical climate keeps the show’s sunny vibe alive. Want to share your favorite Death in Paradise moment? Drop a comment below!