Is There Going To Be a Death in Paradise Christmas Special in 2025? Full Cast, Plot & Timeline Explained
The BBC has officially confirmed that Death in Paradise will return with a brand-new Christmas Special in December 2025. The festive episode continues the show’s tradition of releasing a standalone holiday mystery set on the bright, sun-lit island of Saint Marie — even as the characters deal with some of their most complex emotional challenges yet.
Below is everything confirmed so far: the cast list, the plot outline, and a clear timeline of when you can expect the special to air.
⭐ CONFIRMED CAST FOR THE 2025 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
The BBC has released the full lineup, including returning favorites and brand-new guest stars.
Main Cast
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Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson
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Shantol Jackson as DS Naomi Thomas
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Ginny Holder as Officer Darlene Curtis
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Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Officer Marlon Pryce / Sebastian Rose
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Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey
Guest Cast
All confirmed by BBC announcements:
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Josie Lawrence
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Kate Ashfield
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Pearl Mackie
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James Baxter
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Billy Harris
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Oriana Charles
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Alix Serman
Uncertain Return
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Don Warrington as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson
Reports suggest uncertainty about whether Selwyn appears in the 2025 special, making it a talking point for long-time fans.
🎄 PLOT: WHAT THE 2025 SPECIAL IS ABOUT
The 2025 Christmas Special centers around a shocking murder that interrupts what was supposed to be a relaxing, corporate holiday getaway.
Here’s the confirmed storyline:
A Strange Death at a Christmas Party
During a work Christmas party at a villa, four co-workers wake up to find a stranger dead in the swimming pool. There is no clear connection between the victim and the group, which immediately complicates the investigation.
A Murder Weapon Thousands of Miles Away
The team quickly uncovers the supposed murder weapon — only to discover that it was locked inside a desk drawer in Swindon, UK, at the time of the crime.
This impossible detail turns the case into a classic Death in Paradise puzzle.
Mervin Wilson’s Emotional Conflict
DI Mervin Wilson faces his own struggle: he is waiting for a message from a newly discovered family member, which puts him in a reflective and emotional state. This personal storyline runs parallel to the main case.
Cultural & Professional Clashes
As a London detective adjusting to a tropical island, Mervin still deals with:
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The island’s laid-back attitude
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His team’s different working style
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The pressure of solving a high-profile holiday case
This mixture of internal tension and external pressure adds depth to the festive special.
🗓️ TIMELINE: KEY DATES FOR THE 2025 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
✔ November 2025 — BBC Reveals Cast
The guest actors and returning characters were officially confirmed by BBC press releases.
✔ December 2025 — Air Date
The special will broadcast during the Christmas period on:
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BBC One
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BBC iPlayer
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BritBox (international regions)
✔ Early 2026 — Follow-Up
Following the Christmas Special, production is expected to continue toward Series 15, with filming starting around April 2025, according to industry reports.
🎥 WHY THE 2025 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL MATTERS
The Christmas episodes have become a beloved tradition since 2021, offering fans:
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A longer, more detailed mystery
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High emotional stakes
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Unique guest characters
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Festive comedic moments mixed with darker plot twists
In 2025, the focus on DI Mervin Wilson’s personal life, combined with a locked-room-style mystery, suggests a classic Death in Paradise combination of heart and suspense.
