The Forgotten Cast Members of Death in Paradise: Where Are They Now?

Introduction

Death in Paradise, the British-French crime drama set on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie, has been a fan favorite since it hit screens in 2011. With its mix of quirky detectives, tropical vibes, and clever murder mysteries, it’s no wonder the show has racked up 13 seasons and counting, with season 14 airing in January 2025. But while fans often talk about the lead detectives like Ben Miller’s Richard Poole or Ralf Little’s Neville Parker, many early cast members who helped shape the show’s charm have faded from the spotlight. Who were these actors, and what are they up to now? This article dives into the lesser-remembered players from the early seasons, tracking their roles on the show and their careers after leaving Saint Marie. From Gary Carr’s Fidel Best to Sara Martins’ Camille Bordey, let’s revisit the original cast and see where life took them.

The Original Team: Season 1’s Unsung Heroes

When Death in Paradise premiered in 2011, it introduced a tight-knit police team that set the tone for the series. While Ben Miller’s DI Richard Poole got top billing, the supporting cast brought the island to life. Let’s start with some of the lesser-remembered names from season 1.

Gary Carr played Fidel Best, the earnest young sergeant who was all about procedure. Fidel was the guy doing the grunt work—dusting for prints, chasing leads, and occasionally getting a nod from Poole for a job well done. Carr was in the first three seasons, leaving in 2014 when Fidel got a promotion and moved off the island. After Death in Paradise, Carr’s career took off. He landed a role as jazz singer Jack Ross in Downton Abbey and starred in HBO’s The Deuce. More recently, he’s been in films like Bolden (2019), a biopic about jazz musician Buddy Bolden. Carr’s training at the National Youth Music Theatre and LAMDA paid off—he’s carved out a versatile career in TV, film, and theater. Mistakes to avoid? Assuming he’s still just “that cop from season 1.” He’s a multi-talented actor who’s been steadily climbing.

Then there’s Lenora Crichlow as Lily Thomson, a recurring character in season 1 who worked as a receptionist and occasional informant. Her role was small but memorable, often popping up with gossip or a key clue. Crichlow didn’t stick around long, but she’s been busy since. You might recognize her from Being Human (UK) or A to Z in the US. She also appeared in The Big Bang Theory as a guest star and took on stage roles in London. Her career shows how even minor roles can lead to bigger things if you’ve got the chops. The mistake here is overlooking these smaller parts—they’re often springboards for actors like Crichlow.

Why does this matter? These early characters grounded the show’s world, making Saint Marie feel real. Without them, the leads wouldn’t shine as brightly. Ignoring their contributions is like forgetting the bassline in a good song—it’s subtle but essential.

Camille Bordey’s Impact and Sara Martins’ Journey

Sara Martins’ Camille Bordey was a cornerstone of Death in Paradise’s early seasons, appearing from 2011 to 2015. As the sharp-witted detective sergeant, Camille brought brains and charm, often clashing with Poole’s uptight demeanor. Their chemistry was a highlight, with Camille’s teasing and Poole’s grumbling creating a dynamic that fans still miss. She left in season 4 for an undercover job in Paris, a move Martins called “tremendously hard” but necessary for new challenges.

Post-Paradise, Martins, who was born in Portugal and raised in France, leaned into French cinema and TV. She appeared in American Odyssey (2015) and played Lisandra Flambeau in a 2018 episode of Father Brown. Her return for the show’s 10th anniversary in 2021 was a big deal—she told fans, “There are some characters that never leave you, and I’m still Camille.” That comeback showed her lasting connection to the role, but she’s been selective about projects since, focusing on French productions like Capitaine Marleau. The mistake some actors make is clinging to one role too long; Martins avoided that by diversifying her portfolio across languages and genres.

Why does this matter? Camille wasn’t just a sidekick—she was a cultural bridge, blending French and Caribbean influences. Her exit left a gap, and her return proved how iconic she became. If you don’t evolve like Martins did, you risk being typecast forever.

Fidel Best and Gary Carr’s Rise

Let’s circle back to Gary Carr’s Fidel Best, because his arc deserves a closer look. Fidel was the heart of the team in seasons 1-3, always eager to prove himself. His promotion in season 3 felt earned, but it also marked Carr’s exit in 2014. Why leave? Carr wanted to avoid being pigeonholed. Smart move. After Death in Paradise, he dove into diverse roles. He played a lead in the National Theatre’s Nation (2009) before Paradise, which showed his stage cred. Post-show, he starred in The Deuce alongside James Franco and Maggie Gyllenhaal, and his role in Bolden highlighted his musical talents as a singer and dancer.

Carr’s career shows how to leverage a supporting role into something bigger. He didn’t just coast on Death in Paradise fame—he took risks. The common mistake? Staying in a comfy TV role too long, which can stunt growth. Carr’s now a recognizable face in both UK and US markets, proving that leaving at the right time pays off. If he’d stayed, he might not have landed those meatier roles.

Why does this matter? Fidel’s departure showed the show could evolve while keeping its core. For actors, it’s a reminder to know when to step away, even from a hit.

The Short-Lived Stars: Where Are They Now?

Some cast members had brief but impactful stints. Take Aude Legastelois-Bidé, who played DS Madeleine Dumas in season 9. She stepped in after Joséphine Jobert’s Florence Cassell left, but her role was short-lived, ending when Florence returned in season 10. Aude’s exit was quiet—BBC announced it with a brief statement wishing her well. Since then, she’s kept a low profile. IMDb shows no major roles post-Paradise, suggesting she’s either taking a break or focusing on smaller French projects. The mistake here is assuming every actor gets a big break after a show like this—sometimes the industry is brutal, and visibility fades fast.

Another short-timer was Shyko Amos as Ruby Patterson, Commissioner Selwyn’s niece, in seasons 8-9. Amos brought energy, but her character didn’t stick, exiting alongside Aude in 2020. Amos has since appeared in small roles, including a guest spot in The Sandman (2022). She’s also active in theater, a common pivot for actors seeking creative control. The lesson? Short roles can still build your resume, but you need to hustle to stay relevant.

These brief roles matter because they show the show’s revolving door. New faces keep the formula fresh, but actors must navigate the risk of being forgotten if they don’t capitalize on the exposure.

The Guest Stars Who Stole the Show

Death in Paradise thrives on guest stars, and some early ones left a mark. Sean Maguire played Marlon Collins in season 1, a cheeky criminal who got arrested for stealing yachts. Maguire’s been busy since, starring in Once Upon a Time as Robin Hood and appearing in The 100. His career shows how a single episode can boost visibility if you’re strategic.

Jamelia, the award-winning singer, played Aimee in season 1, a poisoned singer on a boat. She’s since focused on acting, playing Sharon Bailey in Hollyoaks since 2021 and appearing in Little Darlings (2022). Her pivot from music to acting is a reminder that guest spots can open new paths, but you’ve got to commit. The mistake? Not using the exposure to network or audition aggressively.

These guest stars matter because they add flavor to Saint Marie’s world. For actors, they’re a chance to shine, but only if you follow through with consistent work.

Why Cast Changes Keep Death in Paradise Fresh

The show’s revolving cast is both a strength and a challenge. Since 2011, four lead detectives—Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O’Hanlon, and Ralf Little—have come and gone, with Don Gilet taking over as DI Mervin Wilson in season 14. Supporting characters like Fidel, Camille, and others set the template for this churn. Why does it work? New faces bring new dynamics, keeping the formulaic plots (murder, whiteboard, epiphany) from feeling stale. But it’s risky—fans get attached, and a bad casting choice can tank ratings.

For actors, the constant turnover is a double-edged sword. Leaving can lead to bigger things, like Carr’s Hollywood roles, or it can leave you struggling, like Aude’s quiet post-show career. The mistake is not planning your exit—whether it’s for family, like Kris Marshall, or new challenges, like Sara Martins. The show’s 8 million viewers per season prove its staying power, but actors must seize the moment to avoid fading into obscurity.

FAQs

Who was in the original Death in Paradise cast?
The season 1 cast included Ben Miller (DI Richard Poole), Sara Martins (Camille Bordey), Gary Carr (Fidel Best), Danny John-Jules (Dwayne Myers), Don Warrington (Commissioner Selwyn Patterson), and Élizabeth Bourgine (Catherine Bordey, recurring). Guest stars like Lenora Crichlow and Sean Maguire also appeared. These actors laid the groundwork for the show’s vibe, blending British and Caribbean elements.

Why did so many actors leave Death in Paradise?
Actors left for personal and professional reasons. Ben Miller exited in 2014 to prioritize fatherhood, Kris Marshall left in 2017 due to family pressures, and Sara Martins departed in 2015 for new challenges. The show’s demanding filming schedule in Guadeloupe often plays a role, as does the desire to avoid typecasting.

What is Gary Carr doing now?
Gary Carr, who played Fidel Best, has starred in Downton Abbey, The Deuce, and Bolden (2019). His stage work and musical talents have kept him versatile across TV, film, and theater. He’s a prime example of using a supporting role to build a broader career.

Did any forgotten cast members return to the show?
Yes, Sara Martins returned as Camille Bordey for the 10th anniversary in 2021, and Danny John-Jules reprised Dwayne Myers in season 13. Ben Miller even came back as a hallucination of Richard Poole. These returns show the show’s knack for leveraging nostalgia.

What mistakes do actors make after leaving Death in Paradise?
Some actors fail to capitalize on the show’s exposure, like Aude Legastelois-Bidé, who hasn’t landed major roles since. Others, like Gary Carr, succeed by diversifying quickly. Not networking or auditioning aggressively post-show can lead to obscurity.

Conclusion

Death in Paradise’s early cast members, from Gary Carr’s Fidel Best to Sara Martins’ Camille Bordey, shaped a show that’s still thriving in 2025. Their exits—whether for family, new roles, or creative risks—highlight the challenges of leaving a hit series. Some, like Carr, soared to new heights in Hollywood; others, like Aude Legastelois-Bidé, remind us how tough the industry can be. The show’s formula works because of its evolving cast, but actors must plan their next steps carefully to avoid being forgotten. Want to share your favorite forgotten character? Drop a comment below and let’s keep the Saint Marie nostalgia alive