Kris Marshall played DI Humphrey Goodman in Death in Paradise from 2014 until his departure in 2017
For more than ten years, BBC viewers have been introduced to a host of characters joining the police force on the fictional island of Saint Marie in Death in Paradise.
Since its inception in 2011, we’ve seen the likes of Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O’Hanlon, Ralf Little and most recently, Don Gilet, take centre stage as the lead detectives in the series.
However, two stalwarts have remained constant since the show’s debut – Don Warrington and Élizabeth Bourgine, who portray Commissioner Selwyn Patterson and Catherine Bordey.
Fans were left devastated when the latest series concluded, witnessing Selwyn leaving the island.
In the series finale back in March, the much-loved character decided it was time to depart and visit his daughter, Andrina (Genesis Lynea).
BBC viewers saw Commissioner Selwyn leave at the end of the latest series(Image: BBC)
At present, it remains uncertain whether he’ll make a return to Saint Marie, although fans were overjoyed to see him pop up in the spin-off show Beyond Paradise for the Christmas episode recently, reports the Express.
Selwyn made a detour to Shipton Abbott to catch up with his old friend and former DI, Humphrey Goodman, as viewers watched him tie the knot with Martha (Sally Bretton).
Marking eight years since their characters last shared screen time, fans were thrilled to see the pair reunited.
Actor Kris Marshall opened up about reuniting with Don and the significance of their characters in the Death in Paradise universe.
Beyond Paradise viewers were thrilled to see Selwyn in Shipton Abbott(Image: BBC)
He revealed to RadioTimes: “He’s one of only two people left on the show who are true originals – Élizabeth Bourgine, who plays Catherine, and Don,”.
“And although it’s had many cast changes over the years, it’s always survived.
“However, those are your bastions, those are your true linchpins, so I think it would survive [if Don were to leave], but would it be any good? Nah!”.
It appears viewers might witness his return to Death in Paradise earlier than anticipated, as the commissioner was spotted taking a telephone call during Beyond Paradise, informing DI Goodman that the detective from Saint Marie required his assistance whilst in the UK.
Will Commissioner Selwyn make an appearance in the Death in Paradise Christmas epsiode?(Image: BBC)
This could potentially be laying the groundwork for his involvement in the Death in Paradise Christmas Special.
Fans were quick to express their delight at witnessing Selwyn’s appearance on the programme, with many celebrating the surprise cameo.
One viewer commented: “What an absolutely fantastic episode of #BeyondParadise tonight…I loved it. After the phone call he got, i wonder if Selwyn being in the UK will have a crossover with the Death In Paradise Christmas special next Sunday?”.
Another enthusiast posted: “What a lovely #BeyondParadise Christmas special tonight. Nice touch bringing Selwyn in for the wedding, it was lovely to see him. Hope he becomes a regular in the series. You certainly cracked it tonight, it was brilliant.”
A third fan gushed: “Brilliant, loved to see Selwyn’s excellent Christmas special.”
Beyond Paradise can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
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