BBC Death in Paradise fans heartbroken over beloved character’s off-screen exit
Death in Paradise fans have shared their heartbreak as the show confirmed a character's off-screen exit.
Death in Paradise has issued an update about one of its beloved characters, leaving fans heartbroken. Following the cast announcement for series 15 of the BBC series, fans noticed that Officer Darlene Curtis (played by Ginny Holder) was missing from the line-up.
However, in a new post, the show has confirmed Ginny’s off-screen exit from the series. Darlene’s absence was also noticed in the Death in Paradise Christmas special, as she only appeared via video link to speak with her colleagues.
Alongside a montage of clips of Darlene’s time on the show, the post read, ” 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, personality and energy to Officer Darlene Curtis.”
Hinting at a potential return, it concluded, “We wish her all the best – maybe we’ll catch up with her in Saint Marie down the line!”
Fans rushed to the comment section to share their thoughts on Ginny’s departure, with one writing, “I can’t describe how much Darlene has made such a lovely impact. Ginny played Darlene so well, and it’s very sad to see her go.”
Death in Paradise has confirmed the exit of Darlene Curtis (Image: BBC)
Another said, “Aww, no sad news! She almost made the new detective bearable. Honestly, the show is losing its appeal – I only really like Naomi now (and Catherine and Selwyn of course!). Hoping the new sergeant is good!”
While a third added, “Oh no! How sad! I adore the spice and class Darlene brings to the show. Wishing Ginny all the very best.”
Someone else went on, “Darlene was a PERFECT character for the show! She had her “network” but she also showed a lot of common sense and compassion. I’ll miss her! Thanks for your wonderful work, Ginny!”
“No, I’m gutted. She’s a breath of fresh air, and her character has developed brilliantly over the series,” another agreed.
While fans are sad to see Ginny leave, they can look forward to meeting a new character who has taken her place – Sergeant Mattie Fletcher, played by actress Catherine Garton.
Darlene has been replaced by Mattie Fletcher (Image: BBC)
Catherine Garton has joined the cast of Death in Paradise (Image: BBC)
Don Gilet will also be back as he reprises his role of Detective Mervin Wilson alongside Shantol Jackson, who plays DS Naomi Thomas.
Don Warrington will also be returning to play Commissioner Selwyn Patterson with Elizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey, while Shaquille Ali-Yebuah will reprise his role as Officer Sebastian Rose.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk and other press in a new interview, Shantol Jackson opened up about Ginny’s absence, saying, “We’ll miss her.”
“We definitely Miss Ginny because Ginny’s character, she was like…so Catherine comes in and she’s the older sister, or, you know, the older cousin, but Ginny was like, Queen Mother,” she said.
“And the beautiful thing about Ginny was that she was auntie of the police station, so Darlene…she carried that in her character, and then that’s how she was outside of set.
“So, you know, we’ll find that we miss the character and miss the person, but you know, thankfully, Catherine has done so exceptionally well that you don’t feel like there is an empty gap.”
Death in Paradise returns on January 30 on BBC One.
