Tobi Bakare’s Return to Death in Paradise: What’s Next for JP Hooper?

Introduction

Tobi Bakare, the London-born actor who played Sergeant JP Hooper on the BBC’s Death in Paradise, is making waves again with his return to the sunny shores of Saint Marie. Fans of the long-running detective drama, now heading into its 14th season in 2025, were gutted when Bakare left in 2021 after seven years. His comeback, even if brief, has sparked excitement, with viewers eager to see what’s next for JP. Why does this matter? Because Death in Paradise isn’t just a cozy crime show—it’s a cultural staple for millions, blending Caribbean vibes with clever mysteries. Bakare’s return, announced via the show’s Instagram, has fans buzzing on X, with comments like, “So nice to see Tobi back, loved his character!” This article digs into Bakare’s journey, his reasons for leaving, his recent projects, and what his return means for the show. Let’s get into it.

Why Tobi Bakare Left Death in Paradise

Bakare’s exit from Death in Paradise after Season 10 wasn’t just a plot twist—it was a deeply personal decision. He played JP Hooper, the lovable sergeant who worked alongside three detective inspectors from Season 4 to 10. In the show, JP left Saint Marie for a promotion as Head of the Police Training Programme, a move that made sense for his character’s ambition. But the real reason? A mix of intuition and family priorities. During Season 7, while filming in a church, Bakare heard a preacher mention “seven years” in a sermon. It hit him hard. He told RadioTimes, “As soon as he mentioned seven years, I don’t know what happened.” He discussed it with his wife, Prisca, who confirmed 2020 as the right time to leave.

Leaving wasn’t easy. Bakare admitted to co-star Tahj Miles (Marlon Pryce) that their on-screen chemistry almost made him stay. “You were the one that created the conflict in between me leaving because we found the flow,” he said on Miles’ YouTube channel. Common mistakes actors make in such decisions? Not weighing personal life against career demands. Bakare prioritized family—his kids were growing up, and he wanted to be there. Ignoring that can lead to burnout or regret, as seen with other actors who’ve left high-profile shows without a clear plan.

Tobi Bakare’s Return to Death in Paradise

Bakare’s back for Season 14, starting with the first episode on January 31, 2025, on BBC One and BritBox. Fans are thrilled, with one X post saying, “OMG I hope we get JP for more than one episode!!” In the show, JP returns after a one-off appearance in Season 13, where he got tangled in a murder case involving a former student. This time, he’s guest-starring alongside names like Patricia Allison (Sex Education) and Tala Gouveia (McDonald & Dodds). The episode dives into a new mystery, with JP’s role unclear—will he stay or just pop in?

Why does this matter? Death in Paradise thrives on familiar faces, and JP’s return keeps the show’s heart intact. But here’s the catch: Bakare’s cautious about a full-time comeback. He told The Mirror, “I’m a big fan of the show and I would always be open to having discussions… At this present moment, my kids are growing up, I’m getting to see them consistently.” Mistakes to avoid? Fans shouldn’t expect a permanent return—guest spots are common in long-running shows, but actors rarely recommit fully after leaving. If the show pushes JP’s return without a clear arc, it risks feeling forced, like some soap opera comebacks.

What Has Tobi Bakare Been Up To Since Leaving?

Since leaving Death in Paradise, Bakare hasn’t been idle, though he’s kept a lower profile. He appeared in Outlander as Walter Woodcock, a minor role involving a leg amputation scene after the siege of Fort Ticonderoga. He also voiced Sam Green in the video game The Casting of Frank Stone, showing his versatility. Most notably, he’s taken to the stage with Dear Father, a play running in London from June 12-14, 2025. On Instagram, he teased, “Some wounds never heal, and some truths are too heavy to carry.”

Why does this matter? Actors often struggle to pivot after long TV stints—typecasting is real. Bakare’s choices show he’s branching out deliberately, from TV to gaming to theater. Common mistakes? Sticking to one medium or rushing into projects without passion. Bakare’s selective roles suggest he’s avoiding that trap. If actors don’t diversify, they risk fading, like some former soap stars who never break out. His family life also shines through—he shares adorable posts with his kids, keeping fans connected.

The Impact of JP Hooper’s Character on Death in Paradise

JP Hooper wasn’t just another cop on Death in Paradise. From Season 4 to 10, he brought heart to the Honoré Police team, mentoring Marlon Pryce and bonding with Dwayne Myers. His exit in 2021, when Commissioner Selwyn Patterson offered him a new role, felt earned but bittersweet. Fans on X still miss him, with one writing, “I miss you JP!” His return keeps the show’s legacy alive, especially as it hits Season 14 and introduces new DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet).

Why does this matter? Characters like JP anchor long-running shows. They’re the glue for viewers who’ve watched since 2011. Mistakes in handling returns? Overusing nostalgia without fresh stories. If JP’s arc doesn’t evolve, it could feel like a cheap cameo. The show’s done this right before—think Kris Marshall’s Humphrey Goodman in Beyond Paradise. Consequences of getting it wrong? Fans tune out, as seen with some Grey’s Anatomy returns that fell flat.

Challenges of Returning to a Long-Running Show

Returning to a show like Death in Paradise isn’t just showing up and smiling. Actors face logistical hurdles—filming in Guadeloupe means long stints away from home. Bakare’s family focus makes this tricky; he’s prioritizing his kids over a full-time gig. There’s also the challenge of fitting into a new cast dynamic. With Shantol Jackson as DS Naomi Thomas and Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson, JP’s role must feel organic, not tacked on.

Common mistakes? Actors sometimes return without clear motivation, making their characters feel out of place. Think of some Friends guest star arcs that didn’t land. Consequences? Fan backlash or diluted storylines. Bakare’s one-off in Season 13 worked because it tied to a specific case. The show needs to balance nostalgia with fresh stakes. Real-time data from X shows fans are hyped but wary, with one post saying, “Hope JP is back to stay!”

Tobi Bakare’s Future in Entertainment

What’s next for Bakare? His stage work in Dear Father signals a shift toward theater, a bold move for a TV actor. His Outlander role and voice work in The Casting of Frank Stone show he’s not afraid to experiment. At 36, he’s young enough to take risks but established enough to be picky. He’s also active on Instagram, sharing updates that keep fans engaged, like his family posts or play teasers.

Why does this matter? Actors need to evolve to stay relevant. Mistakes? Clinging to past roles or taking generic parts. Bakare’s selective approach mirrors actors like Daniel Kaluuya, who moved from TV (Skins) to film (Get Out). If he overplays the Death in Paradise card, he risks being pigeonholed. His varied projects suggest he’s dodging that bullet, but only time will tell if he can break out bigger.

FAQs

Why did Tobi Bakare leave Death in Paradise?

Bakare left after Season 10 in 2021 to focus on family and because he felt his time on the show was up. A sermon about “seven years” during Season 7 filming sparked his decision, confirmed by his wife, Prisca. He wanted to prioritize his kids and avoid burnout, a common issue for actors on long-running shows.

Is Tobi Bakare back for good in Season 14?

No guarantee. Bakare’s returning for at least the first episode of Season 14, airing January 31, 2025. He’s open to discussions but focused on family, suggesting a full-time return is unlikely. Fans hope for more, but guest spots are common in Death in Paradise.

What other projects has Tobi Bakare done?

Since leaving, Bakare played Walter Woodcock in Outlander, voiced Sam Green in The Casting of Frank Stone, and stars in the stage play Dear Father in June 2025. His diverse roles show he’s avoiding typecasting, a smart move for longevity.

How does JP Hooper’s return impact the show?

JP’s return adds nostalgia and continuity, especially with new DI Mervin Wilson. Fans love him, but the show must avoid forced cameos. His Season 13 guest spot worked due to a tied-in case, and Season 14 needs a similar approach to keep viewers hooked.

Why is Death in Paradise still popular?

The show’s mix of cozy mysteries, Caribbean vibes, and strong characters like JP keeps fans coming back. Its 14th season and BritBox release show its staying power. Mistakes like weak character arcs could hurt, but familiar faces like Bakare help maintain its charm.

Conclusion

Tobi Bakare’s return to Death in Paradise as JP Hooper is a big deal for fans, stirring up nostalgia for a show that’s been a comfort watch since 2011. His exit in 2021 was about family and timing, and his selective projects since—Outlander, The Casting of Frank Stone, and Dear Father—show he’s carving a unique path. Season 14, hitting BritBox and BBC One in 2025, promises fresh mysteries with JP’s familiar face. Whether he’s back for one episode or more, his return reminds us why Death in Paradise endures. Got thoughts on JP’s comeback? Share them below!