Death in Paradise Series 15: Release Date, Cast, and What to Expect
Death in Paradise series 15 is officially confirmed with Don Gilet returning as DI Mervin Wilson. Find out cast updates, plot details, and release news. Read now!
Introduction
Death in Paradise has been through many cast changes, but the BBC isn’t slowing down. After wrapping up season 14 in March 2025, fans immediately wanted to know if the show would return. The answer is yes. Series 15 has been confirmed, and filming is already underway in Guadeloupe, according to both the BBC and Red Planet Pictures (via their April 29, 2025, announcement on Instagram).
This matters because Death in Paradise is one of the BBC’s most reliable dramas, pulling in millions of viewers each season both in the UK and abroad. On platforms like BBC iPlayer and BritBox, it regularly charts in the top 10 most streamed shows. With Don Gilet stepping in as Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson, season 14 ended with major changes — Selwyn Patterson stepping aside as Commissioner, and new team dynamics forming. Now the question is: what’s next for series 15, when will it air, and who’s staying or leaving?
Let’s break down everything confirmed so far about Death in Paradise series 15, along with fan expectations, cast updates, and possible storylines.
Has Death in Paradise Been Renewed for Series 15?
Yes. The BBC and Red Planet Pictures officially confirmed the renewal on April 29, 2025. A clapperboard photo shared on Instagram announced that filming had begun in Guadeloupe. Don Gilet himself mentioned on ITV’s Lorraine that filming would start in late April.
While BBC press offices have yet to issue their usual long-form press release, the studio announcement and cast interviews make it clear: series 15 is happening.
This renewal isn’t surprising. Season 14 kept ratings steady, averaging 7–8 million viewers across live broadcast and catch-up. Internationally, Death in Paradise continues to be one of the BBC’s most exported dramas, with BritBox carrying episodes in the U.S. and Australia. The show’s longevity is part of its appeal: sunny setting, light humor, procedural mystery.
What Will Death in Paradise Series 15 Be About?
The season 14 finale set up plenty of storylines for series 15:
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Mervin Wilson adjusting to leadership. With Selwyn Patterson stepping back, Mervin is now acting head of the Saint Marie police. Expect to see his adjustment from being a visitor investigating his mother’s murder to taking full command.
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Selwyn’s personal story. Don Warrington isn’t done yet. His character’s arc in season 14—finding his long-lost brother and stepping down—will likely carry into series 15. Fans can expect more family drama alongside the crime-of-the-week cases.
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Sebastian Rose’s development. Actor Shaquille Ali-Yebuah hinted to Yahoo UK (March 2025) that his character, the rookie Sebastian, will get more backstory. He suggested audiences would “see a different side of him more on the personal level” — which means writers are planning to flesh him out beyond being comic relief.
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Naomi Thomas’s role. Shantol Jackson’s Naomi is now the team’s second in command. Her chemistry with Mervin could shape much of the season’s tone.
The formula won’t change much: one murder per episode, quirky suspects, and a big reveal in the final act. But series 15 looks set to lean harder into character stories than before.
When Will Death in Paradise Series 15 Be Released?
Based on filming schedules, fans can expect:
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Christmas 2025 special. Like every year, the show will air a holiday special in December. That’s already locked in given filming began in April.
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Series 15 release in early 2026. Traditionally, full seasons run from January to March. So the likeliest premiere window is January 2026.
This follows the same pattern since Kris Marshall’s days as DI Goodman. The gap between filming in Guadeloupe (spring to summer) and broadcast (winter to spring) has been consistent.
Who Is in the Cast for Death in Paradise Series 15?
Confirmed cast members:
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Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson
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Shantol Jackson as DS Naomi Thomas
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Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Officer Sebastian Rose
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Don Warrington as Selwyn Patterson
Possible returning guest stars haven’t been confirmed yet, but Red Planet Pictures often brings back familiar faces for continuity. For example, Tobi Bakare recently returned for cameos after leaving as JP Hooper.
The big question is whether Tahj Miles (Marlon Pryce) might return. He left in series 13 but has said publicly the door is open. While nothing is official, fan demand remains strong.
Why Fans Care About Death in Paradise Series 15
It’s not just another police procedural. The show has managed to last 15 seasons by mixing formula with warmth. Fans keep coming back for:
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Cast chemistry. Each DI brings a different energy — from Ben Miller’s uptight Richard Poole to Ralf Little’s anxious Neville Parker. Don Gilet’s Mervin has already made an impression as more grounded and emotional.
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Setting. Guadeloupe doubles as Saint Marie, and its bright, sunny look is part of the escapism.
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Rotating guest stars. From famous UK soap actors to stage veterans, each episode has familiar faces.
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Christmas tradition. Since 2018, the holiday special has become a UK TV staple.
Viewers also debate detectives endlessly. On Reddit threads and X polls, fans argue over who was the “best DI.” Neville’s departure still trends in hashtags like #TeamNeville, but many are warming up to Mervin.
The Impact of Cast Changes on the Show
Every time a DI leaves, there’s skepticism. It happened with Ardal O’Hanlon’s Jack Mooney, and again with Ralf Little’s Neville Parker. Don Gilet is now the fourth replacement in 15 years.
The risk is audience drop-off. But historically, ratings bounce back after the adjustment period. For example, when Neville debuted in 2020, live ratings dipped briefly, then rose to over 8 million within weeks.
Series 15 will test whether Mervin Wilson can carry the same weight. His debut season ended on strong cliffhangers, which should help keep viewers invested.
FAQs
1. When will Death in Paradise series 15 air?
The Christmas special is expected December 2025, with the full season premiering in early 2026. This matches the usual release pattern.
2. Who is the new detective in Death in Paradise?
Don Gilet plays DI Mervin Wilson, introduced in series 14 after Neville Parker’s exit. He is expected to lead the show through series 15.
3. Is Selwyn Patterson leaving the show?
Don Warrington’s character stepped down as Commissioner, but he hasn’t left entirely. His family storylines are expected to continue in series 15.
4. Will Marlon Pryce return in series 15?
Actor Tahj Miles has said the door is open for Marlon’s return, but nothing has been confirmed by the BBC or Red Planet Pictures yet.
5. Where can I watch Death in Paradise?
In the UK, episodes stream on BBC iPlayer. Internationally, BritBox carries the series in the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
Conclusion
Death in Paradise series 15 is confirmed, filming is underway, and fans have plenty to look forward to. With Don Gilet leading the cast, Shantol Jackson stepping into a bigger role, and Don Warrington still involved, the show is far from done. Expect the Christmas 2025 special to drop first, followed by the full season in early 2026.
For a series that many predicted would end after its tenth anniversary, its continued renewal shows its staying power. Whether you’re watching on BBC One or streaming on BritBox, season 15 looks like it will keep the mix of sunny escapism and character-driven mystery alive.
