Fans will notice one popular character is missing from the new series of the BBC show Death In Paradise, with their replacement having now been revealed – and a popular face is back
21:00, 30 Jan 2026Updated 21:05, 30 Jan 2026
The cast of Death In Paradise(Image: BBC)
A fan favourite is missing from the new series of Death In Paradise – but fans will be thrilled to see someone back in Saint Marie. The BBC detective drama returned for a new series this evening, with a brand new set of episodes headed up by Don Gilet.
Don has returned as DI Mervin Wilson, whilst Commissioner Selwyn Patterson is also back after the Christmas special teased Don Warrington’s return to the BBC show.
However, fans will be devastated to see that one favourite is missing from the new line-up. Announcing her exit, Ginny Holder, who plays Darlene, said: “Thank you so much to the BBC and Red Planet Pictures for giving me the absolute gift of playing Darlene. I loved her deeply, and saying goodbye to her has been far more emotional than I ever expected – I really do miss her.”
Ginny Holder played Darlene Curtis in Death in Paradise(Image: BBC)
“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.”
In an emotional post, she added: “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.”
Darlene has been replaced by Catherine Garton, who plays Sergeant Mattie Fletcher on the new series. Speaking about joining the show, she said: “I loved it – everyone was really welcoming. Before going to Guadeloupe, I didn’t quite know what to anticipate, then it exceeded any expectations I could have had. I love the island.
“Guadeloupe is like a postcard. It’s quite unreal. Every time I walked out I was like “this exists, wow!”. It’s absolutely stunning. Everyone’s nice. I love the culture. The food’s great. Everyone I work with is great. I don’t have any complaints!”
Revealing all about her character Mattie, Catherine added: “She’s tenacious. She’s really fun to play. She’s sassy, but she’s like your big sister who will tell you what’s what, but you can also come to her if you need to.
“You can have a laugh with her. She’s very passionate about things, about her work and about the people that she grows to love, especially in the team. She’s also very determined, almost too determined sometimes…”
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