Death in Paradise star Don Warrington addresses ‘surprise’ after exit rumours
Death in Paradise star Don Warrington has addressed the response to speculation about Commissioner Selwyn Patterson leaving the BBC drama
Don Warrington plays Commissioner Selwyn Patterson(Image: BBC)
Death in Paradise star Don Warrington has said he was shocked at the public response after speculation emerged that his character might be exiting the BBC drama.
The actor has portrayed Commissioner Selwyn Patterson since the beloved show‘s debut series. The programme, which unfolds on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie, follows Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) and his team as they solve local murders and mysteries, reports the Express.
Recently, however, rumours of the Commissioner’s departure sent shockwaves through the fanbase. Speaking to Radio Times, Don opened up about how blindsided he was by the reaction, admitting: “Well, it came as a shock to me, I have to say.
“I thought it would just pass by under the radar and we’d carry on. But, apparently, there has been an outcry. It’s flattering and I would be dishonest if I said it wasn’t.”
Don Warrington plays the Commissioner in Death in Paradise(Image: BBC)
“But it came as a surprise to realise how deeply the characters had got into the consciousness of the public.”
Fortunately for devoted viewers of the long-running series, the Commissioner’s comeback looks to have been sealed.
His character had chosen to depart Saint Marie at the conclusion of series 14 following his dismissal from his job. Despite being offered reinstatement, he opted to leave the island to reunite with his daughter in the UK.
Yet, on New Year’s Eve, a tantalising post on the programme’s Instagram page hinted at his comeback ahead of the upcoming series, which launches this month.
In a clip from Death in Paradise spin-off Beyond Paradise, the Commissioner was shown making a phone call to ask whether his former position was still up for grabs.
Death in Paradise airs on the BBC(Image: BBC)
“Chief Commissioner, it is Selwyn Patterson,” he said. “Apologies for calling you during the holidays. But I wanted to know if you have found my replacement as yet?”
“I see…” he responded after hearing from the person on the other end of the line.
“I have been doing some thinking, and I wondered if there was any chance of my returning to the role if it’s still vacant?”
The clip was accompanied by the caption: “So that’s something to look forward to in the new year!”
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