We Still Miss Him! Death in Paradise Original Cast Update 2025
Fans still miss the original Death in Paradise cast! Discover what Ben Miller, Sara Martins, Danny John-Jules & others are doing in 2025. Read now !
Introduction
The original Death in Paradise cast created television magic that fans simply can't forget. When Ben Miller first arrived on Saint Marie as the uptight DI Richard Poole in 2011, nobody predicted the show would become a global phenomenon lasting over 14 seasons. Yet here we are in 2025, and viewers still talk about those early episodes.
The show wrapped its 14th season in March 2025 and has been renewed through at least 2026, but many longtime fans confess the original ensemble holds a special place in their hearts. The chemistry between Miller's fish-out-of-water detective, Sara Martins' sharp DS Camille Bordey, and Danny John-Jules' lovable Officer Dwayne Myers set a standard that defined the series.
Now, over a decade since those sun-soaked Caribbean mysteries began, fans want answers: where are the original cast members now? What projects captured their attention after leaving paradise? This update reveals what Ben Miller, Sara Martins, Danny John-Jules, and other beloved original cast members have been doing in 2025.
Ben Miller: From DI Richard Poole to Professor T
The Unexpected Exit That Shocked Fans
Ben Miller left Death in Paradise at the start of series 3, feeling he spent too much time away from his family. His character's shocking death in the first episode of season 3 left viewers devastated. Miller later explained his wife had become pregnant during filming of the first series, making the six-month Caribbean shoots increasingly difficult.
"It was the job of a lifetime, but logistically I just didn't feel I could continue," Miller stated when announcing his departure. The decision haunted him for years. In a 2016 interview, he admitted he still wasn't certain whether leaving was the right choice.
2025 Career Highlights
Fast forward to 2025, and Miller has built an impressive post-Paradise career. The 58-year-old actor currently stars as Professor Jasper Tempest in Professor T, with ITV confirming a fifth series. The role showcases Miller's range beyond comedy, playing a brilliant but complex Cambridge criminologist with OCD.
Miller announced in August 2025 that filming wrapped on Professor T season 5, expressing gratitude for working with dedicated cast and crew. The show represents a major chapter in his career, demonstrating his ability to carry a drama series with depth and nuance.
Beyond Professor T, Miller co-created and stars in the new BBC One comedy Austin, playing Julian, a bestselling children's writer facing crisis after a social media storm. The show tackles themes of acceptance when Julian discovers he has an autistic son he never knew existed.
Miller's creative pursuits extend to writing. He's authored children's books and maintains an active presence discussing his various projects. In 2025, Miller received a Logie award nomination, recognizing his international television work.
The Death in Paradise Connection Lives On
Miller reprised his DI Richard Poole role for a cameo appearance in a dream sequence during the tenth series in 2021. Fans erupted with joy seeing their original detective back on screen, even briefly. The cameo proved that Miller's impact on the show's foundation remains undeniable.
Sara Martins: International Star Beyond Camille Bordey
Leaving Paradise for New Horizons
Sara Martins left Death in Paradise after the fourth episode of series 4, with her character Camille moving to Paris. Her departure statement resonated with many artists: "I've loved everything about the show. But the only way to grow in life is to take risks, even if it means losing something you love."
The Portuguese-French actress brought intelligence, strength, and charm to DS Camille Bordey from 2011 to 2014. Viewers particularly loved her chemistry with Ben Miller, with some finding it difficult to watch when later detective Kris Marshall's character showed interest in Camille.
Thriving in European and American Productions
Martins, now 47, has built a remarkable international career. Her most prominent recent role came in 2024's historical epic "Those About to Die" on Peacock, where she plays Cala, a Numidian mother searching for her enslaved children in ancient Rome. The series stars Anthony Hopkins and showcases Martins' ability to bring emotional depth to historical drama.
She also appeared in Woody Allen's "Coup de Chance" (2023) and the Amazon series "Citadel" (2023). Her work in the French TV series "Alexandra Ehle" continued through 2025, demonstrating her sustained popularity in French television.
Martins and Miller returned together for a special two-part episode in 2021, giving fans a nostalgic reunion that reminded everyone why the original pairing worked so brilliantly. She also made a guest appearance in series 13.
A Barrier-Breaking Career
Martins' journey represents remarkable achievement. She was the first person of African descent to join the Lyon Opera as a ballet dancer. When told she couldn't advance to the Paris Opera because the corps needed to "look alike," she pivoted to acting, studying at the French National Academy of Dramatic Arts.
She's fluent in Portuguese, French, and English, allowing her to work seamlessly across European and American productions. Social media shows Martins actively engaging with fans, sharing career updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her diverse projects.
Danny John-Jules: The Heart and Soul of Saint Marie
Officer Dwayne Myers' Unforgettable Charm
Danny John-Jules brought Officer Dwayne Myers to life from the very first episode in 2011 until his departure at the end of series 7 in 2018. The character's laid-back Caribbean charm, romantic misadventures, and comic timing made him irreplaceable.
John-Jules is 64 years old and best known to many as Cat from the sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf, a role he's played since 1988. His dancing and singing background, including being part of the original Starlight Express cast, brought unique physicality to Dwayne.
When he left in 2018, John-Jules explained he wanted to exit "on a high." His character sailed away with his estranged father Nelson to travel the world, providing an emotional sendoff that had viewers in tears.
The Triumphant Returns in 2024-2025
Here's where it gets exciting for fans: Dwayne didn't stay gone. John-Jules returned for the 2021 Christmas special, then made a surprising comeback in series 13 episode 6 in March 2024. When Commissioner Selwyn Patterson asked DI Neville Parker if he was ready to meet his new colleague, Dwayne walked in declaring, "I heard the team were on their knees without me!"
The actor returned again for the 2024 Christmas special, which introduced new DI Mervin Wilson. The festive episode saw Dwayne dealing with his father Nelson's declining health, adding emotional depth to his return.
Fans flooded social media with celebration when Dwayne reappeared. "We still miss him!" became a rallying cry across Death in Paradise forums and Twitter. The character's absence had created a void that occasional appearances can't quite fill, but each return feels like coming home.
Beyond Death in Paradise
Three new Red Dwarf episodes featuring John-Jules were announced for 2025 but were cancelled by UKTV in September, though creator Doug Naylor seeks alternative broadcasters. The cancellation disappointed sci-fi fans who've followed the Cat's adventures for decades.
John-Jules appeared at MCM Comic Con London in October 2025, engaging with fans and celebrating his iconic roles. He's also involved in charity work and film production through his company KMBA Productions.
His 2018 appearance on Strictly Come Dancing showcased his professional dance background, though the stint was controversial. John-Jules later criticized how the show handled his participation, claiming producers manufactured drama.
Other Original Cast Members: Where Are They Now?
Élizabeth Bourgine: The Last Original Standing
French actor Élizabeth Bourgine is best known to British audiences for Death in Paradise, where she's been part of the cast since series 1. As Catherine Bordey, owner of the bar and Camille's mother, she represents continuity connecting the original series to today's episodes.
Bourgine continues appearing in series 14 and 15, which began filming in April 2025. She's the living bridge between past and present, welcoming each new detective while maintaining the show's warm Caribbean heart. Her character provides wisdom, rum punch, and maternal guidance to the ever-changing police team.
Beyond Death in Paradise, she appeared in the 2020 film "Maigret" alongside French cinema icon Gérard Depardieu, playing the character Irène.
Gary Carr: From Fidel to International Success
Gary Carr played Officer Fidel Best in series 1-3. The young officer's departure in series 3 made way for new team members. Carr has since built an impressive career, notably appearing in HBO's "The Deuce" and gaining recognition for diverse dramatic roles in American television and film.
Tobi Bakare: The Steady Presence
Tobi Bakare portrayed Sergeant JP Hooper from series 4-10. His character brought family dynamics to the show as JP became a husband and father. Bakare recently reprised his role in series 14 as a guest star, giving fans another nostalgic moment. He's also known for roles in "Kingsman" and continues working in UK theatre and film.
Don Warrington: The Steady Commissioner
Don Warrington has played Commissioner Selwyn Patterson throughout the series, though he's not technically "original cast" since he joined slightly later. However, a storyline in series 14 threatened his character's job. He was offered his position back but refused, looking like he might leave Saint Marie. The 72-year-old actor has decades of experience, famously playing Philip Smith in the 1970s ITV sitcom "Rising Damp."
Key Events and Timeline: How Death in Paradise Evolved
2011: The Beginning
October 25, 2011 marked Death in Paradise's debut on BBC One. Ben Miller's DI Richard Poole arrived on Saint Marie to solve a British police officer's murder, only to be ordered to stay as the island's new detective. The premise was simple but brilliant: a uptight British detective completely out of place in the Caribbean.
Sara Martins joined as DS Camille Bordey, Danny John-Jules as Officer Dwayne Myers, and Gary Carr as Officer Fidel Best. The ensemble clicked immediately, creating the warm yet professional dynamic that defined early seasons.
2013-2014: The First Major Transition
Miller's departure was announced in April 2013. Filming began in March 2013, with Miller completing the first episode where his character was murdered. The shocking death opened series 3, introducing Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman.
Sara Martins left during series 4's fourth episode, moving to Paris. The dual departures marked the end of the original era. Marshall brought different energy—more clumsy and endearing than Miller's rigid formality.
2018: Dwayne Says Goodbye
Danny John-Jules left at the end of series 7 in 2018. After seven seasons, Officer Dwayne Myers sailed away with his father Nelson. The departure removed one of the show's last original links, leaving only Catherine Bordey from the first cast.
Fans mourned losing Dwayne's humor, heart, and Caribbean wisdom. His replacement proved impossible—no one could capture his unique charm.
2021-2025: The Reunion Episodes
The 2021 Christmas special marked Death in Paradise's first feature-length episode and Danny John-Jules' return. The 90-minute special celebrated the show's tenth anniversary, bringing Dwayne back alongside Ralf Little's DI Neville Parker.
Both Ben Miller and Sara Martins returned for a two-part episode in 2021, giving original fans the reunion they craved. John-Jules made another surprise return in series 13 episode 6 in March 2024, then appeared in the 2024 Christmas special introducing Don Gilet as the new DI Mervin Wilson.
Series 14 wrapped in March 2025, with series 15 filming beginning in April 2025. The show continues evolving while occasionally bringing back beloved faces.
Expert Opinions & Analysis: Why the Original Cast Matters
Television Critics Weigh In
Critics praised Ben Miller's chemistry with the cast, with The Daily Telegraph citing Kris Marshall as a "winning addition" when he took over. However, many reviewers noted the show never quite recaptured the original magic.
Some reviewers feel the show lost appeal with character departures despite maintaining dedicated fans. The constant cast turnover, while part of the show's format, created challenges in building long-term character development.
The show has faced criticism regarding colonialism and racial dynamics, with some pointing out problematic elements of a British detective solving crimes locals supposedly can't handle. However, Red Planet Pictures won the "Diversity in a Drama Production Award" for Death in Paradise, with Sara Martins, Danny John-Jules, Don Warrington, and Tobi Bakare collecting the award in February 2015.
Cast Reflections
Ben Miller remains conflicted about leaving, stating "To this day, I don't know whether I made the right decision or not". The showbiz mantra "never quit the hit" haunted him, but family concerns won out.
Miller admitted difficulty watching his replacement, particularly scenes suggesting romantic interest between Kris Marshall's character and Camille: "I felt a little bit betrayed" when the relationship developed, though Marshall was "rebuffed."
Sara Martins reflected on leaving: "I really loved their relationship. He was always trying to lead her on or play games with her, but she was always one or two steps ahead", discussing Camille and Dwayne's dynamic. She added: "And then he ended up going off with his father, and she was just left!"
Public Reaction & Social Media Buzz: Fans Speak Out
The "We Still Miss Him" Movement
Social media explodes whenever original cast members return. When Danny John-Jules reappeared in 2024, Twitter (now X) and Facebook groups celebrated with throwback photos, favorite scenes, and declarations that Death in Paradise "isn't the same" without the originals.
YouTube compilation videos titled "Best of Officer Dwayne Myers" and "Ben Miller's Funniest Moments" rack up hundreds of thousands of views. Comment sections overflow with nostalgia: "The golden era," "These were the best years," "Nothing compares to the original cast."
Reddit's Death in Paradise community frequently ranks favorite detectives and officers. Ben Miller's DI Richard Poole consistently places high, with fans appreciating his character arc from uptight outsider to someone genuinely caring about Saint Marie.
The Chemistry Factor
Fans repeatedly cite "chemistry" when discussing the original cast. The banter between Miller's rigid detective and John-Jules' relaxed officer created comedy gold. Martins brought intelligence and warmth that balanced the team dynamics perfectly.
Miller himself noted the importance of diversity: "One of the joys of working on the show was working with such a completely multiracial, diverse cast. It's such a rare thing, to see so many brilliant actors". He added that Caribbean filming opened his eyes to racial perspectives.
The Reunion Demand
Petitions and campaigns periodically emerge requesting more original cast appearances. After each cameo or special episode featuring Miller, Martins, or John-Jules, engagement on Death in Paradise's official social media soars 300-500%.
Fan art, fiction, and tribute videos keep the original era alive. Instagram accounts dedicated to "Death in Paradise Golden Era" post daily throwbacks, maintaining thousands of followers even a decade after those episodes aired.
Why Fans Still Miss the Original Cast
The Foundation They Built
The original ensemble created Death in Paradise's DNA. They established the format: an uptight British detective adapting to Caribbean life with the help of warm, capable local officers. Every subsequent detective followed this template because it worked.
The show has enjoyed high viewing figures and positive critical reception since debut, leading to repeated renewals through at least 2026. That success stems from the foundation Miller, Martins, John-Jules, and others established in those crucial early seasons.
Character Development vs. Turnover
The original cast had time to develop. We watched Richard Poole slowly adapt, saw Camille grow from her mother's shadow, and witnessed Dwayne's evolution from ladies' man to someone with deeper emotional complexity. Later casts, knowing they'd eventually leave, couldn't invest viewers the same way.
Modern Death in Paradise works beautifully as comfort TV—gorgeous scenery, clever mysteries, gentle humor. But it lacks the character-driven emotional stakes that came from following these people for multiple seasons.
Nostalgia and Timing
For many viewers, Death in Paradise premiered during specific life moments. College students watching during winter breaks, families gathering for Friday BBC One viewing, or people discovering it during pandemic lockdowns. The original cast connects to those memories, creating emotional attachment beyond the show itself.
The Human Element
Danny John-Jules said about returning: "I wanted to make sure when I came back that the return would be believable". The cast's genuine affection for the show and each other shines through. They're not just actors fulfilling contracts—they loved what they created.
John-Jules called Dwayne "one of the greatest roles that I've had", describing returning to the Caribbean as "always a pleasure." That enthusiasm translates to screen, making those early seasons feel special.
Long-Term Impact: How the Original Cast Shaped British TV
The Cozy Crime Renaissance
Death in Paradise helped launch a new era of cozy crime dramas. The success of its formula—murders solved with charm rather than grit, beautiful locations, ensemble casts—inspired countless imitators.
The show spawned spin-offs: "Beyond Paradise" starring Kris Marshall began airing in 2023, and "Return to Paradise," set in Australia, debuted in 2024. Neither would exist without the original series' success, built on that first cast's chemistry.
International Broadcasting Success
Death in Paradise broadcasts in 236 territories, making it one of the BBC's biggest international sellers. The universal appeal—accessible mysteries, likable characters, escapist setting—translated across cultures. The original cast made that international connection possible by creating something genuinely special rather than formulaic.
Career Launching Pad
For many cast members, Death in Paradise opened international doors. Sara Martins gained UK recognition leading to more British roles. Ben Miller's work showcased his dramatic range beyond comedy. The exposure elevated their profiles significantly.
Behind-the-Scenes Facts: Making Death in Paradise Memorable
Filming Challenges
The series films on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, mainly in Deshaies. The six-month filming schedule in paradise sounds idyllic but created real challenges for actors with families back in the UK.
Ben Miller's wife discovered her pregnancy after he began filming the first series, making subsequent seasons logistically difficult. Kris Marshall's family joined him for his first three shoots, but when they couldn't join for series 6, he felt "bereft and empty" and subsequently left.
The Musical Connection
The theme music is an instrumental version of "You're Wondering Now," a 1960s Jamaican song by Coxsone Dodd. The Skatalites and Amy Winehouse later covered it. That distinctive sound became inseparable from the show's identity, playing over those iconic beach murder scenes.
Trivia and Easter Eggs
Harry the lizard, who lives at the DI's bungalow, is computer-generated. The beloved gecko appearing in almost every episode acts as a sounding board for detectives discussing cases. Creating Harry digitally ensured consistent performance and avoided animal welfare concerns.
FAQs
Q: Will Ben Miller ever return permanently to Death in Paradise?
A: Unlikely. Miller's character died in series 3, and he's committed to Professor T, which recently finished filming its fifth season. He made cameo appearances in dream sequences, but a permanent return isn't feasible given both the character's fate and Miller's current projects. However, fans can enjoy his acting in Professor T, which showcases his range.
Q: Why did Danny John-Jules leave Death in Paradise?
A: John-Jules left at the end of series 7 in 2018, explaining he wanted to leave "on a high". He also wanted to return to Red Dwarf. However, he's made multiple returns: the 2021 Christmas special, series 13 in 2024, and the 2024 Christmas special. These appearances show his enduring love for the character and series.
Q: What is Sara Martins doing in 2025?
A: Martins continues working in Alexandra Ehle through 2025, a French TV series where she plays Diane Dombres. Her major 2024 project was "Those About to Die" on Peacock, playing Cala in the historical drama. She works across French, British, and American productions, maintaining an active international career. Fans can follow her on social media for updates on upcoming projects.
Q: Who from the original cast is still on Death in Paradise?
A: Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey is the only remaining original cast member. She continues appearing regularly, providing continuity across all 14 seasons. Don Warrington's Commissioner Selwyn Patterson has also appeared throughout most seasons, though he technically joined slightly after the premiere. Catherine represents the show's living memory, connecting every detective to Saint Marie's heart.
Q: How successful is Death in Paradise in 2025?
A: Series 14 wrapped in March 2025, and the show is renewed through at least series 15 airing in 2026. It broadcasts in 236 territories worldwide and remains one of BBC One's most popular shows. January viewing figures regularly exceed 8-9 million in the UK alone. The show's comfort-viewing appeal has strengthened over time, making it remarkably resilient despite cast changes.
Q: Why do fans prefer the original cast?
A: The original cast established Death in Paradise's identity and had time to develop deep character arcs. Viewers praised Ben Miller's chemistry with the ensemble, and the dynamic between Miller, Martins, and John-Jules created something special. Nostalgia plays a role, but more importantly, those early seasons built emotional investment that later iterations, despite quality, couldn't fully replicate. Each subsequent detective is measured against Ben Miller's DI Richard Poole, often unfairly, because he set the standard.
Conclusion
The original Death in Paradise cast—Ben Miller, Sara Martins, Danny John-Jules, Gary Carr, and Élizabeth Bourgine—created something magical on Saint Marie. Over a decade later, in 2025, fans still cherish those early seasons when everything felt new and the chemistry crackled.
Ben Miller thrives in Professor T, showing dramatic depth. Sara Martins shines in international productions, bringing her intelligence and warmth to diverse roles. Danny John-Jules delights fans with occasional Dwayne returns while pursuing other projects. Each has moved forward successfully, yet their Death in Paradise legacy endures.
The show continues strong, renewed through 2026, welcoming new detectives and officers. But whenever an original cast member returns, even briefly, the magic reignites. Social media erupts. Viewing figures spike. We remember why we fell in love with Death in Paradise in the first place.
The island may have new detectives solving Saint Marie's improbable murder rate, but the original cast's spirit lives on. They built the foundation. They created the warmth. They made us care about a sleepy Caribbean island where murder happens weekly yet somehow maintains its charm.
We still miss them. And that's okay. Their work endures in those early episodes, forever available to rewatch. The laughter, the mysteries, the Caribbean sunsets—all preserved perfectly. New episodes bring fresh stories, but those original seasons remain special.
Want more updates on Death in Paradise, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories? Visit Flickcore.us for the latest verified news and nostalgic deep dives into your favorite shows. The original cast may have moved on, but their legacy shines brighter than ever.
Last Updated: November 26, 2025
