JP and Rosey: The Death in Paradise Love Story Fans Remember
Discover how JP and Rosey’s Death in Paradise romance grew into marriage, twins and a new life away from Saint Marie. Read the full story now!
JP and Rosey’s Story Was About More Than Romance
JP Hooper’s relationship with Rosey became one of the gentler personal stories in Death in Paradise, taking him from a shy school crush to marriage and fatherhood.
When JP first recognised Rosey, she was not simply a new romantic interest. She was someone he remembered from school, and their connection slowly developed after they met again on Saint Marie. Their relationship eventually became a marriage and, later, a family.
For viewers who had watched JP grow as a police officer, this was an important part of his journey. He had started out as a nervous young officer who wanted to do everything correctly. Over the years, he became more confident, took on greater responsibility and eventually became a sergeant.
His home life changed him too.
By series 10, JP and Rosey were preparing for the arrival of twins. Their family story also helped explain why JP's next career step mattered so much.
And there was another detail that made the story especially memorable: the woman playing Rosey in series 10 was actually Tobi Bakare's real-life wife, Prisca Bakare.
How JP and Rosey First Met Again
Rosey, whose maiden name was Fabrice, first appeared in series five. JP recognised her from school, where she had been in the year above him.
Their first meeting as adults came during a murder investigation, when Rosey was connected to the case as a suspect. Once the mystery was solved, their relationship moved in a very different direction.
JP and Rosey began dating, and the usually serious police officer found himself dealing with something far less straightforward than a murder investigation: love.
That was part of what made their relationship appealing. JP was not presented as a natural romantic hero. He was careful, slightly awkward and often unsure of himself.
His personal growth happened gradually.
He eventually proposed to Rosey, and they married. The relationship gave viewers another side of JP, away from the police station and his duties with the Saint Marie team.
It also showed how much the character had changed since his early days.
Tobi Bakare later described JP as someone who had grown from an insecure young officer into a man who understood himself better. His development included becoming a husband, father and mentor.
That made Rosey an important part of JP's wider character journey.
From Marriage to Parenthood
JP and Rosey's story did not stop at marriage.
In series nine, viewers learned that Rosey was pregnant. The pregnancy became another important stage in JP's life, especially because he initially struggled with the news.
Eventually, Rosey revealed that they were expecting twins.
Series 10 then brought a very different kind of challenge for JP. He was still a dedicated police officer, but he was also preparing to become a father to two babies.
One particularly memorable moment involved JP and trainee officer Marlon Pryce trying to help settle the twins. JP sang to them over the phone while Marlon joined in, creating one of the lighter and more affectionate moments of the series.
The arrival of the twins also changed the practical side of JP's future.
His work had always been important to him. But now he had a young family to think about, too.
That became especially significant when JP was offered a new position.
Rather than simply walking away from Saint Marie, JP was given an opportunity to use his experience in a bigger role.
Why Did JP Leave Saint Marie?
JP's departure came at the end of series 10.
Commissioner Selwyn Patterson told him about a new job as Head of the Police Training Programme. The offer came after JP had impressed the police board with his work, including his mentoring of Marlon.
At first, JP was unsure.
He loved his life on Saint Marie and had spent years building his career there. But Selwyn encouraged him to consider the opportunity and discuss it with Rosey.
JP eventually accepted.
The new position offered more regular working hours and meant he could spend more time with his young family. The Hooper family therefore left Saint Marie together rather than JP simply disappearing from the story.
For many fans, this was a fitting ending.
JP had arrived as a young officer who was desperate to prove himself. He left as a husband, father, sergeant and experienced police officer ready for a new chapter.
His departure was also carefully planned. Bakare told RadioTimes.com that he had known for years that series 10 would be his final season, allowing the programme to build naturally towards JP's exit.
The Real-Life Surprise Behind Rosey
One of the most interesting details about JP and Rosey's later story happened behind the cameras.
The original Rosey was played by Fola Evans-Akingbola. She appeared in series five, and the character returned as an important part of JP's personal story.
But when series 10 went into production, Evans-Akingbola was unavailable.
Production had also been heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The filming schedule was delayed, and the team needed to find another actress to play Rosey.
The solution was rather unusual.
They approached Prisca Bakare — Tobi Bakare's real-life wife.
The decision was made only days before filming began. Prisca stepped into the role and played Rosey opposite her real-life husband.
Tobi later described the experience as unusual and praised Prisca's performance.
It also created a fascinating situation for viewers. The married couple were playing another married couple who were themselves becoming parents to twins.
In real life, Tobi and Prisca were already parents, making the family storyline even more personal for the actors. RadioTimes.com reported that they had three young children together at the time.
Why Fans Still Talk About JP and Rosey
The reaction from viewers shows why the relationship remains memorable.
Some fans loved the fact that Tobi and Prisca Bakare are married in real life. Others focused more on JP's personal growth and the way his relationship with Rosey helped move his story beyond police work.
There is also a sense of nostalgia around the couple.
JP was one of the characters who stayed long enough for viewers to see him change. He went from a young officer working under more experienced colleagues to someone who could guide a younger member of the team himself.
His relationship with Marlon was particularly important in his final years. JP became the kind of officer who could pass his experience on to someone else.
That made his departure feel like the end of a complete chapter.
And fans have not completely forgotten him. Tobi Bakare later returned as JP for guest appearances, including a return in series 13 and another appearance at the beginning of series 14.
That return gave longtime viewers another chance to see a familiar face from the Saint Marie years.
What Happened to Fidel Best After Death in Paradise?
JP was not the only popular officer whose story took him away from Saint Marie.
Earlier in the series, Gary Carr played Sergeant Fidel Best. Fidel was one of the original members of the police team and appeared in the first three series.
His departure was much quieter.
Fidel passed his sergeant's examination and was later revealed to have taken a new job on the neighbouring island of St Lucia. His exit was therefore a career move rather than an on-screen death.
The character's departure reflected one of the show's familiar ideas: Saint Marie can be an important part of a character's life without being the place where they stay forever.
Gary Carr left after series three and went on to build a varied career, including roles in The Deuce, Genius, Trigonometry and Downton Abbey.
For fans revisiting the early seasons, Fidel's departure can therefore feel bittersweet.
He did not receive a dramatic farewell. Instead, the story simply moved forward, leaving viewers to imagine his new life in St Lucia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are JP and Rosey married in real life?
Yes. Tobi Bakare, who played JP Hooper, is married to actress Prisca Bakare, who played Rosey in series 10. Their real-life marriage made their scenes together particularly interesting for Death in Paradise viewers.
Was Rosey always played by Prisca Bakare?
No. Fola Evans-Akingbola originally played Rosey in series five. Prisca Bakare took over the role for series 10 after Evans-Akingbola was unavailable when filming resumed following pandemic-related delays.
Did JP and Rosey have twins?
Yes. In the story, JP and Rosey became parents to twin daughters. Their arrival became an important part of JP's final storyline as he considered his new career opportunity.
Where did JP go after leaving Death in Paradise?
JP accepted a position as Head of the Police Training Programme. He and Rosey then left Saint Marie with their young family so he could take on the new role.
Where did Fidel Best go?
Fidel moved on to a new police job in St Lucia after passing his sergeant's exam. The character was not killed off.
A Warm Goodbye to Two Memorable Saint Marie Officers
JP Hooper and Fidel Best left Death in Paradise in very different ways, but both stories reflected something important about the series.
Saint Marie changes people.
Fidel began as an eager young officer and worked his way up to sergeant before taking a new opportunity in St Lucia. JP went through an even longer journey, growing from an uncertain young policeman into a confident sergeant, husband, father and mentor.
For JP, Rosey became a central part of that journey. Their relationship gave viewers a chance to see the character away from investigations, uniforms and police stations.
And the fact that Rosey was played by Tobi Bakare's real-life wife added an unexpected layer to those final family scenes.
That is perhaps why fans still remember the Hoopers so warmly.
They were not simply another couple passing through Saint Marie. They represented a character growing up, finding love and building a family.
And for a show built around murder mysteries, that quieter kind of storytelling has always been part of its charm.
Did you enjoy JP and Rosey's relationship? And which Saint Marie officer do you remember most fondly — JP, Fidel, Dwayne or someone else? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below.
