Beloved Death in Paradise star Ginny Holder has spoken out about her emotional exit just days after the news was announced.
Taking to Instagram the Darlene Curtis actress posted a tribute to her time on the show following her recent departure news (Wednesday 21 January).
“Thank you so much to the BBC and Red Planet Pictures for giving me the absolute gift of playing Darlene,” said Holder. “I loved her deeply, and saying goodbye to her has been far more emotional than I ever expected — I really do miss her.”
BBC
The fan-favourite actor went on to praise her fellow co-stars saying: “Thank you to the incredible cast and crew of Death in Paradise — such a talented, kind, and joyful group of people. Working alongside you all has been a privilege and a pleasure, and I’ll cherish those memories forever.
“And a very special thank you to James Hall for writing such an amazing character. Darlene truly lifted straight off the page, and I’m so grateful to have been her voice.”
Holder exits the BBC crime series after seven years on the show leaving fans broken hearted.
BBC
“Can’t believe you won’t be returning,” said one viewer in her comment section. “You have truly been awesome, Ginny! No one cheered louder when Selwyn (Don Warrington) asked Darlene to join the Saint Marie [team].”
While another commented: “I’m beyond saddened you’re not gonna be there. Your Beauty, Sass and Energy are Awesome! Hoping you’re just starting something new I can watch.”
Holder also shared her gratitude for her fans and the longstanding dedication and love they showed to Darlene.
BBC
“The biggest thank you to the fans. Your love and support for Darlene has meant the world to me. Being nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the TV Times Awards was honestly so humbling, and I’m beyond grateful. Big love to you all, you’ve made this journey unforgettable.”
It’s unclear yet how the BBC drama will wrap Darlene’s character arc in the upcoming season 15 or if she’ll get an official on-screen send-off. Her absence does, however, make room for new recruit Sergeant Mattie Fletcher (Catherine Garton) whose haunting past makes her transition into the Saint Marie force anything but seamless (via the synopsis).
Denis Guyenon//BBC
Garton’s arrival was announced in an Instagram collaboration post between herself and the official Death in Paradise account, which was captioned: “It’s almost time to return to Saint Marie!
“We’ll be welcoming back Don Gilet, Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Shaquille Ali-Yebuah and Élizabeth Bourgine… and newcomer Catherine Garton as Sergeant Mattie Fletcher!”
Death in Paradise season 15 airs on Friday 30 January on BBC One. Death in Paradise and its spin-offs Beyond Paradise and Return to Paradise are all available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
Read more Death in Paradise news on our dedicated homepage
The new edition of Living Legends, celebrating music icon Dolly Parton, is here! Buy Dolly at 80 in newsagents or online, priced at just £8.99.
TV writer, Digital Spy Janet completed her Masters degree in Magazine Journalism in 2013 and has continued to grow professionally within the industry ever since. Â For six years she honed her analytical reviewing skills at the Good Housekeeping institute eventually becoming Acting Head of Food testing. Â She also freelanced in the field of film and TV journalism from 2013-2020, when she interviewed A-List stars such as Samuel L Jackson, Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson. In 2021 she joined Digital Spy as TV writer where she gets to delve into more of what she loves, watching copious amounts of telly all in the name of work. Since taking on the role she has conducted red carpet interviews with the cast of Bridgerton, covered the BAFTAs and been interviewed by BBC Radio and London Live. In her spare time she also moonlights as a published author, the book Gothic Angel.
Â