Death in Paradise Christmas Special 2024: Cast, plot & characters in festive episode
DEATH in Paradise is back on the box this festive season for a star-studded Christmas special.
Here we take a look at what you can expect from this yuletide edition of the show, and who is starring in it.
The Christmas special begins in true Death In Paradise style, with a murder.
Fresh from performing karaoke dressed as Santa, holiday maker Stuart Fullwell (Marcus Brigstocke) is found shot dead on the beach by a young boy called Ollie, and the Saint Marie police team are called into action.
But with no Detective Inspector in place of the recently departed Neville Parker, the race is on to handle such a big case.
With the pressure mounting, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) is relieved to receive some encouraging news as he learns a British detective is holidaying on the island.
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Following a somewhat disappointing trip away, DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) is aboard a flight back home to London ready to take off.
However, he is informed by his boss that he’s to be seconded to Honoré — whether he likes it or not.
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Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson
Taking over from DI Neville Parker, played by Ralf Little, is a new detective in town.
DI Mervin Wilson will be introduced for the first time in the festive special.
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Actor Don Gilet makes his debut, and he is excited for fans to see what’s in store.
He told the BBC: “I am delighted to be stepping into the shoes of the Detective Inspector.
"It’s been a real pleasure filming alongside the hardworking cast and crew.
Don Warrington as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson
Actor Don Warrington is back as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson.
He has played the smooth, charming and intelligent political operator since the show began.
When asked how he believes Selwyn would spend Christmas, the star said: "I think he'd make Christmas really nice. He likes comfort. I think he would do it on a beach, in a shaded area because he doesn’t want people to get too hot.
"He would have very good food — I think he would have a traditional Caribbean Christmas and lots of very expensive old rum."
Ginny Holder as Darlene
Ginny first appeared in Death In Paradise as Darlene back in 2018.
She returned in season 11 and has been on the show ever since.
Actress Ginny has also appeared in FatherMotherSon alongside Richard Gere, and played DS Nadia Latif in The Capture.
The TV star was a regular on Holby City as Thandie Abebe from 2007 until 2010.
Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine
Elizabeth Bourgine's reprises her role of Catherine Bordey, and has been part of the show since it began.
The character first started out as the owner of a bar where the police team would often go but she is now the local mayor.
Actress Elizabeth is French and had a long career in TV shows in France before joining Death In Paradise.
Shantol Jackson as Naomi
Naomi Thomas is back for the Christmas special, having joined the show in 2022.
Played by Shantol Jackson, the much-loved character is an ambitious young sergeant who was brought onto the Saint Marie police force in season 11.
The actress' credits so far include roles in the films Sprinter and Yardie.
Danny John-Jules as Dwayne
Actor Danny John-Jules is the staple of Death In Paradise.
He has been on the show since it first started and plays the hapless Dwayne.
Away from the show, he is best known for starring in 90s cult sitcom Red Dwarf.
The star also enjoyed a stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2018.
How to watch
The Death in Paradise Christmas special will air on Sunday, December 22, 2024.
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UK viewers can catch the show at 8.30pm on BBC One or watch it on demand on BBC iPlayer.
Fans in the US will be able to watch it on BritBox, but a date is yet to be confirmed.
Timeline of Death In Paradise Detectives
Death In Paradise started in 2011 and has welcomed four detectives so far to the island.
These are all of the actors who have played the lead detective in the hit BBC series so far:
Ben Miller as DI Richard Poole - Actor Ben played the first ever detective from seasons 1 to 2, and then returned as a guest star in the third and tenth series.
Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman. Next up My Family star took on the role for three years from series 3 to 6.
Ardal O’Hanlon as DI Jack Mooney. Father Ted star Ardal was a fan favourite and was the detective for three seasons from series 6 to 9.
as DI Neville Parker. The actor started in 2019 and is the longest-running star to have the detective role. He was on the show for four seasons from 9 to 13.