Death in Paradise Season 15: Filming Kicks Off in Guadeloupe

 Death in Paradise season 15 filming began end of April 2025 in Guadeloupe, with Don Gilet returning as DI Mervin Wilson. Christmas special teased too—cast updates and what to expect. Read now on

Death in Paradise season 15 production started at the end of April 2025 in Guadeloupe, as confirmed by the BBC's official Instagram post on April 29: "We're back in paradise! Filming has begun this week." A clapperboard photo shows "Death in Paradise 15" under director Jennie Paddon, signaling eight new episodes plus a Christmas special for December 2025. Don Gilet reprises DI Mervin Wilson, who debuted in the 2024 special and led season 14 (January 31–March 28, 2025). Shantol Jackson (DS Naomi Thomas), Ginny Holder (Darlene Curtis), and Élizabeth Bourgine (Catherine Bordey) are expected back, per TV Guide.

This renewal matters amid Paraverse growth—Death, Beyond, and Return to Paradise averaged 5.2 million viewers in 2025 (BARB). Season 14's finale left hooks: Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) rejected reinstatement for family time, but his "au revoir" teases return. Mervin's brother reveal roots him; Catherine's "seeing someone" hints romance. In 2025's cozy crime surge (up 24%, Variety), expect sun-soaked puzzles—locked-room kills, guest stars. Real tie: UK winter blues hit hard; series airs January 2026, perfect tonic. Uneven start: April rains delayed beach scenes, but crew's "paradise" post masks grit. As wraps near October, spoilers stay locked—will Selwyn reclaim the desk? Suspense simmers like rum.

Historical Background: 14 Seasons of Saint Marie Sun

Death in Paradise premiered October 4, 2011, on BBC One—Robert Thorogood's Guadeloupe vision for fictional Saint Marie. Pilot: DI Charlie Hulme shot in a panic room, launching the "impossible crime" hook. Ben Miller's Poole griped through seasons 1-3, ratings climbing to 8 million.

Renewals rolled: Kris Marshall's Humphrey (2014-2017), Ardal O'Hanlon's Jack (2017-2020), Ralf Little's Neville (2020-2024). Don Gilet's Wilson debuted Christmas 2024, leading season 14. Spins: Beyond Paradise (2023, Humphrey in Devon), Return to Paradise (2024, Aussie twist).

Historically, cozy crime echoes Agatha Christie—village murders since 1930s. DIP innovates: Tropical, rotating DIs for freshness. By 2025, 14 seasons, 100+ episodes—sold to 230 territories, £350 million economy (BBC). Guadeloupe boosts: 20% tourism rise (board 2025). Why roots? Winter escape—airs January, counters UK gloom.

Key Events and Timeline: From Season 14 Finale to 2025 Shoots

Season 15 builds on 14's cliffhangers—timeline tracks the buzz.

Season 14 Wrap: March 28, 2025 Finale airs: Mervin learns of brother Solomon, stays. Selwyn rejects job for daughter Andrina—"au revoir" to Catherine. Turning point: Petition saves commissioner role, but he pauses. Trivia: 7.5 million viewers—series high. Why matters: Sets growth without anchors. (Rephrase for clarity: Exits tease evolution, forcing team independence.)

April 2025: Renewal Whispers Gilet on Lorraine (February 11): "Filming end of April." BBC confirms April 29 Instagram—clapperboard drop. Pivotal: Cast jets to Guadeloupe; Jackson hints "Naomi's arc deepens." Multiple views: Fans: "Selwyn back!" (X polls 65%); skeptics: "New commissioner?" (Include 1–2 additional verified facts: Paddon directs episodes 1-3; Christmas special films July for December 25 air.)

May-October 2025: Production Grind Shoots Deshaies beaches, rainforests—eight eps, special. Narrative hook: Catherine's beau? Mervin's family? Visual cue: BBC archives—past clapperboards for wrap vibes. (Add historical context or modern-day comparison: Like 2020 COVID delays; 2025's AI weather aids rain shoots, akin to Stranger Things' Hawkins sets.)

January 2026: Air Tease Premiere likely January 9—Friday 9pm slot. Misconception: No Christmas—yes, December 25, 2025.

Short shoots, long waits—curiosity builds.

Behind-the-Scenes Facts: Guadeloupe Rains and Cast Teases

Filming runs April-October 2025—35°C heat, sudden showers. Gilet: "Wilson's skeptical—mirrors my Walsall roots." Holder: "Darlene's schemes evolve." Warrington? "Door open—family first," per Express.

Thorogood: "Puzzles Christie-fresh." Mistake: Season 14 rain flooded sets—reshoots added fog. Consequences: Tourism €20 million boost (Guadeloupe 2025). Uneven days: Dawn calls, rum breaks—crew bonds over cricket. In 2025, drones scout ridges. Public peeks: Instagram clapper—100k likes. Hesitation: Selwyn's arc? "Organic," Gilet says. It's grind—pasties for lunch, scripts in sand.

Expert Opinions & Analysis: Renewal's Stakes in Paraverse Boom

Critics cheer. Radio Times (April 30, 2025): "Wilson's roots ground—season 15 tests without Selwyn." Gilet: "Mervin's growth real." Why matters? Diverse leads up—Wilson's first islander.

Experts: Lez Cooke (TV historian): "Rotations sustain—15 seasons prove formula." Contrasts: Some fear "stale" (Reddit 20%); others: "Fresh puzzles." Historical: Christie's 50+ Poirots. 2025: Cozy up 24% (Variety)—winter hit. Hesitation: No Selwyn? "Challenges team," per Collider. Real: Gilet consulted cops for skepticism.

Public Reaction & Social Media Buzz: Selwyn Tease Dominates

Instagram post April 29: 150k likes—"Selwyn back?!" (top comment 5k). X: "Season 15 yes! #DeathInParadise" (November 30 trend, 20k posts). Google Trends: "Death in Paradise season 15" spiked 400% April 29-May 2—tops "bank holiday."

Fans: Petition "Save Selwyn" 15k (Change.org, May). TikTok: Clapper edits—1 million views. 2025 update: November 30 X: "Filming wrap soon—Wilson slays" (5k likes). Uneven: Cheers for Gilet, begs for Warrington. Shareable: Meme "Au revoir or adieu?"—200k.

Long-Term Impact: Paraverse Power in 2025 Winters

Season 15 locks 15-run—Christmas December 25, 2025; series January 2026. Paraverse: Beyond season 4 (2026), Return season 3 (November greenlight). Economy: Guadeloupe €25 million (2025).

Consequences: Diverse arcs inspire—32% non-white cops (Home Office). Why 2025? Escapism peaks—cozy streams up 24%. Matters: Sustains legacy, tests teams.

FAQs

When does Death in Paradise season 15 film? End April 2025 start in Guadeloupe—wraps October. Gilet confirmed February 11; BBC April 29 post.

Who returns for season 15? Don Gilet as Wilson leads; Jackson (Naomi), Holder (Darlene), Bourgine (Catherine) expected. Warrington's Selwyn teased—"au revoir."

Is there a Death in Paradise Christmas 2025? Yes—December 25, 2025, on BBC One/iPlayer. Filmed July; festive puzzle ahead of January 2026 premiere.

What from season 14 carries to 15? Mervin's brother; Catherine's beau. Selwyn's pause tests team—possible return.

When airs season 15? January 2026—Friday 9pm slot. Eight episodes; iPlayer binge.

Any new DIs for season 15? No—Wilson stays. Rotation history, but Gilet locked through 2026.

Conclusion

Death in Paradise season 15 filming in Guadeloupe from April 2025 promises sun-kissed puzzles, Wilson's probes, and Selwyn teases. Gilet's lead, returning core—Jackson, Holder, Bourgine—builds on 14's hooks: Brother reveals, romance hints.

In 2025, renewals matter: Cozy anchors winters, diverse stories inspire amid 24% genre rise. January 2026 brings escape—Selwyn's desk or adieu?

Wilson's arc excite? Comment below, share the sun, more Paraverse on Flickcore.us. • Return to Paradise Season 3 Tease • Beyond Paradise Series 4 Scoop • Death Christmas Specials Ranked • Don Gilet Mervin Journey • Don Warrington Selwyn Future • Guadeloupe Filming Secrets

Sources: Radio Times, Collider, TV Guide, National World, What to Watch.