Beloved British Detective Series Drops a Huge Season 15 Update

Beloved British Detective Series Drops a Huge Season 15 Update Image via the BBC By  Jake Hodges Published Jan 24, 2026, 8:00 PM EST In over three years at Collider, senior author Jake has now penned over 2500 articles covering a wide range of TV and film for the resources, lists, utilities, news, and interview teams. Alongside interviewing stars such as Selin Hizli, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Harlan Coben, and Chelsea Peretti, Jake was lucky enough to visit the set of Aardman and Netflix's Wallace and Gromit: A Vengeance Most Fowl in 2024, getting the chance to chat with four-time Academy Award winner Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham. Jake has also worked for other publications, including Agents of Fandom.  Sign in to your Collider account Add Us On follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

Ahead of its return to the BBC on January 30, 2026, Death in Paradise fans were dealt a huge blow as it was announced a fan-favorite character would not be returning. Having been strangely almost absent during the recent 2025 Christmas special, it was confirmed via social media that Darlene, played by Ginny Holder since arriving at the start of Season 7 in January 2018, would not be reprising her role in the upcoming fifteenth season. "Sadly, we're saying goodbye to Darlene this series. Ginny Holder has been a much-loved cast member, and we're hugely grateful to her for bringing her talent to Officer Darlene Curtis," the announcement read. "We wish her all the best - maybe we'll catch up with her in Saint Marie in the future!"

However, as one door closes, another opens, with Death in Paradise now officially confirming its exciting line-up of guest stars for Season 15. Joining Catherine Garton's "maverick" Sergeant Mattie Fletcher in the new line-up are Happy Valley's Siobhan Finneran, Scarlett Alice Johnson (EastEnders), Hermione Norris (Spooks), Gavin & Stacey star Steffan Rhodri, and Ghosts co-creator and star, Ben Willbond. The rest of the guest stars include:

• Sarah Hadland (Horrible Histories)
• Gary Wilmot (Midsomer Murders)
• Tim McMullan (Shakespeare in Love)
• Julian Rhind-Tutt (Green Wing)
• Ace Bhatti (Malpractice)
• Louis Davison (Vikings: Valhalla)
• Sean Delaney (Killing Eve)
• Lizzie Davidson (Such Brave Girls)
• Kojo Kamara (The Outlaws)
• Layo-Christina Akinlude (The Stolen Girl)
• Sandra James-Young (Wild Cherry)
• Phoebe Sparrow (The Astronaut Wives Club)
• Antonia Bernath (Downton Abbey)
• Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge (Rematch)

What Is 'Death in Paradise' Season 15 About?

A revolving door in the casting department is sure to increase excitement about the next season of Death in Paradise, but what is it about? "Whilst attempting to connect with his recently discovered half-brother Solomon (Daniel Ward), Mervin's newfound familial happiness soon turns to frustration as he discovers the pair are not quite as similar as he hoped they might be," the official synopsis begins. It continues, "Elsewhere, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) is left facing the consequences of his recent absence from the island." The synopsis concludes, "After some no-nonsense advice from old friend Catherine Bordey (Elizabeth Bourgine), Selwyn sets out to rebuild trust — though winning back Saint Marie may prove easier said than done."

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The hit British detective series Death in Paradise returns later this month. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates on the best of British TV.

Death In Paradise

Like TV-PG Crime Drama Mystery Release Date October 25, 2011

Cast

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• Ben Miller
• Kris Marshall

Creator(s) Robert Thorogood Powered by Expand Collapse

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