Death in Paradise Season 15: Élizabeth Bourgine Shares Update as Fans Worry About Selwyn’s Future
Death in Paradise star Élizabeth Bourgine shared behind-the-scenes photos from filming season 15, but fans remain worried about Selwyn Patterson’s fate. Here’s everything we know so far.
Introduction
Filming for Death in Paradise season 15 is officially underway, and fans already have plenty to talk about. The BBC crime drama left audiences with more unanswered questions than usual in its season 14 finale, setting up multiple character arcs that still feel unresolved.
French actress Élizabeth Bourgine, who plays the much-loved Catherine Bordey, recently gave fans a behind-the-scenes peek on Instagram. Her posts confirmed not only that production is moving smoothly in Guadeloupe, but also that Catherine herself will continue to play a central role. While this sparked excitement, it also reignited speculation about Commissioner Selwyn Patterson’s future. Don Warrington’s veteran character dramatically stepped down at the end of season 14, leaving his place in Saint Marie’s police force uncertain.
So what exactly is happening behind the scenes? And how might Catherine, Selwyn, Mervin, and the rest of the Honoré team fit into season 15’s storylines? Let’s break down what we know—and what fans can reasonably expect.
Élizabeth Bourgine Confirms Catherine’s Return
When Élizabeth Bourgine shared a set of photos from filming in Guadeloupe, fans breathed a sigh of relief. Catherine Bordey has been part of Death in Paradise since its earliest days, bringing warmth, charm, and wisdom to the series.
Her Instagram posts included:
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A screenshot from a production monitor showing her in full costume.
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A candid behind-the-scenes shot where she cooled off with a portable fan between takes.
Fans quickly filled her comments with love and excitement. One wrote, “Can’t wait to watch, looking beautiful as always,” while another added, “With each season it just gets better and better! Looking forward to 15.”
This confirmation matters because Catherine hinted at new romance in the season 14 finale. Bourgine herself has said in past interviews that Catherine “deserves happiness,” so her personal life could become a refreshing subplot in season 15. For journalists covering the show, romance angles are often used to drive speculation pieces—especially when it comes to characters who have been largely single for over a decade.
Selwyn Patterson’s Uncertain Future
If Catherine’s presence is reassuring, Selwyn Patterson’s absence is the exact opposite. The series 14 finale ended with Don Warrington’s Commissioner Selwyn Patterson rejecting the chance to resume his post.
His words were final and heavy: “I won’t be staying. Too much has happened and right now I can’t see a way to get back to how things were.”
Fans immediately voiced concern online. On social media, one pleaded, “With Selwyn back, please,” while another admitted, “I hope it isn’t the end of Selwyn. I always look forward to his scenes.”
Selwyn has been a cornerstone of Death in Paradise since the beginning. Alongside Catherine, he’s one of the few links tying the current cast to the original lineup. Losing him permanently would strip the show of its longest-running anchor, making this cliffhanger one of the most important unresolved arcs heading into season 15.
For entertainment journalists, the big question is whether Warrington has quietly left the show or if this is simply a setup for his eventual return. As of now, neither the BBC nor Don Warrington has officially confirmed Selwyn’s status.
DI Mervin Wilson’s New Path
While Selwyn’s departure remains in doubt, another character’s future is much clearer. Don Gilet will return as DI Mervin Wilson after season 14 ended with his decision to stay on Saint Marie.
In a twist, the finale revealed that Mervin has a brother named Soloman, opening up a whole new arc about family connections. This subplot gives the writers plenty of room to explore Mervin beyond his role as the island’s detective inspector.
For audiences still adjusting to life without Ralf Little’s Neville Parker, Mervin’s presence provides much-needed stability. Gilet’s performance has been praised for balancing authority with vulnerability, and his storylines could ground season 15 as other characters face uncertainty.
Naomi Thomas Still Needs a Personal Storyline
Naomi Thomas, played by Shantol Jackson, is another character fans hope will get more focus. In season 14, Catherine tried to set her up with a romantic prospect, but Naomi politely declined. While she continues to shine professionally as a detective sergeant, her personal life remains underdeveloped.
Journalists covering the series often note that Death in Paradise has a history of sidelining female characters’ growth. Giving Naomi her own emotional storyline in season 15 would not only deepen her character but also balance the cast dynamic.
If the writers don’t act soon, Naomi risks being overshadowed—just as some earlier supporting roles were phased out before they had a chance to truly connect with viewers.
Catherine’s Romance: Long Overdue or a Distraction?
Catherine’s hinted romance could play out in several ways. If developed carefully, it could humanize her after years of serving mainly as the friendly bar owner and community confidante. Élizabeth Bourgine has spoken openly about wanting Catherine to experience love again, suggesting this arc might finally stick.
However, the danger lies in treating it as filler. If Catherine’s romance is teased but never given real depth, it could frustrate long-time fans who want to see her happiness taken seriously.
Entertainment outlets like The Mirror and Digital Spy often hype romance subplots for clicks, but the truth will depend on how much screen time writers dedicate to Catherine’s new relationship.
Sebastian Rose and the Rookie Role
Shaquille Ali-Yebuah’s Sebastian Rose struggled in season 14 with his confidence, especially after messing up a stakeout. His insecurities mirror the classic “rookie officer” role that the show has used for comic relief and growth arcs since the early seasons.
Historically, rookies like Marlon Pryce grew into fan favorites after a few seasons. If Sebastian is given time and good writing, he could follow that trajectory. But mishandling his development could repeat past mistakes where new characters faded without leaving an impression.
Will Selwyn Return or Is It Goodbye?
Selwyn’s storyline is the real cliffhanger heading into season 15. His brief replacement by Sterling Fox (played by Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge) showed how poorly the police team functions without him. The question now is whether the writers plan to bring Selwyn back after his time away—or write him out entirely.
If Selwyn truly leaves, the show will lose one of its last original connections. But if he returns, season 15 could revolve around his struggle to reconcile personal trauma with professional duty. Either way, his arc is critical for how fans perceive the show’s long-term future.
When Will Season 15 Air?
Filming began in April 2025 in Guadeloupe, and Élizabeth Bourgine’s social media updates confirm production is progressing. Following the pattern of previous years, fans can expect a Christmas special in December 2025, followed by season 15’s full run in early 2026.
Until then, seasons 1–14 remain available on BBC iPlayer for UK viewers.
FAQs
Q1: Why did Selwyn Patterson step down in the season 14 finale?
Selwyn revealed he couldn’t return to his commissioner role because “too much has happened.” This likely references both personal and professional struggles. Actor Don Warrington has not confirmed if this marks his exit.
Q2: Who is Mervin’s brother Soloman?
In the finale, Mervin discovered he has a brother named Soloman. The character hasn’t appeared on screen yet, setting up a potential subplot for season 15.
Q3: Will Catherine finally have a lasting romance?
Catherine revealed in season 14 that she was “seeing someone.” Élizabeth Bourgine has hinted in interviews that Catherine deserves love, so season 15 may finally expand on this.
Q4: Is Naomi Thomas leaving Death in Paradise?
There is no official exit news for Shantol Jackson’s Naomi. She is expected to return in season 15 as an essential part of the Honoré police team.
Q5: How stable is the cast going into season 15?
Don Gilet (Mervin Wilson), Élizabeth Bourgine (Catherine), Shantol Jackson (Naomi), Ginny Holder (Darlene), and Shaquille Ali-Yebuah (Sebastian) are all returning. Selwyn Patterson’s future, however, remains uncertain.
Conclusion
Death in Paradise season 14 left fans with more questions than answers, and season 15 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated yet. Élizabeth Bourgine’s behind-the-scenes posts confirm Catherine’s continued presence, while Don Gilet’s return ensures the island still has a detective inspector. At the same time, Selwyn Patterson’s future remains the show’s biggest unresolved thread, creating both excitement and worry among loyal viewers.
Entertainment journalists know that cliffhangers fuel speculation, and Death in Paradise has mastered that formula. Whether Catherine’s romance blossoms, Naomi finally gets a personal arc, or Selwyn returns to his post, season 15 will be closely watched not just for its weekly mysteries but also for how it handles these emotional storylines.
One thing’s certain: the Caribbean drama isn’t afraid to take risks. Fans should expect answers in 2026—but as always with Saint Marie, not all at once.
