Death in Paradise star explains real reason he was ‘written off show’ after fan uproar
Death in Paradise star Don Warrington, who plays Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, opened up about the reaction to what seemed to be his exit from the BBC show
Don Warrington’s ‘exit’ sparked uproar amongst fans (Image: BBC)
Death in Paradise star Don Warrington has addressed why he appeared to leave the BBC drama last year – before making a surprise return. Fans were left saddened at the end of the last season when Commissioner Selwyn Patterson seemed to step away from the fictional island of Saint Marie.
Additionally, his co-stars Don Gilet and Shantol Jackson later admitted his departure had left an “emotional hole” within the cast.
In what appeared to be his final moments on screen, Selwyn urged Mervin (Don Gilet) to reconnect with his brother and shared a touching farewell with Catherine Bordey (Elizabeth Bourgine).
However, hope of a comeback soon followed when Don reprised his role in the Beyond Paradise Christmas special.
With his comeback to Saint Marie now confirmed following the return of the latest series, the actor urged fans to “assume nothing” about his character’s future.
Don Warrington plays the Commissioner in Death in Paradise(Image: BBC)
Addressing the turnaround in a new interview, Don insisted his last storyline was never a marketing ploy designed to refresh the long-running show.
“That was just the storyline,” he told The i Newspaper. “The producers thought it would be interesting to have Selwyn reach some kind of crisis and then, after dealing with it, return.
“There was no Machiavellian intent – but it was certainly very nice to know my character had penetrated people’s consciousness to that extent.”
Selwyn initially decided to leave the island after losing his job and being replaced. Although he was later offered his position back, he chose instead to return to the UK to visit his daughter.
Don admitted he hadn’t anticipated the strong reaction the storyline would cause, telling Radio Times: “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 and Don Gilet in Death in Paradise(Image: BBC)
Asked whether the new series might offer Selwyn a calmer chapter, Don suggested otherwise.
“I wouldn’t think so at all. He can’t settle – that’s the nature of Selwyn,” he said.
Instead, he believes viewers will see the commissioner as “a new man” following a turbulent period.
“He’s come back with renewed energy, and he’s going to deal with the island in a slightly different way,” he added.
The new series has also welcomed a fresh face to the force, with Catherine Gorton joining as Sergeant Mattie Fletcher.
The actress has described her character as “tenacious” and “sassy”, but “really fun to play” and has teased that viewers can “expect some action” in season 15.
Death in Paradise continues tonight at 9pm on BBC One.
