BBC Recommissions “Death in Paradise” for Two Further Series and Christmas Specials
Hit drama continues global success as production begins in Guadeloupe for upcoming 16th season.
The BBC has recommissioned the award-winning “Death in Paradise” for two additional series and two Christmas specials, with filming now underway on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe.
One of the UK’s most watched television programmes, “Death in Paradise” is produced by Red Planet Pictures for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. The new commission ensures the long-running drama will continue its presence on the sun-drenched fictional island of Saint Marie, maintaining its status as a flagship title within the BBC’s drama portfolio.
The upcoming series will see the return of its core cast, including Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson, Don Warrington as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, Shantol Jackson as DS Naomi Thomas, Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Officer Sebastian Rose, Catherine Garton as Sergeant Mattie Fletcher and Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey. Additional guest stars and case details will be announced at a later date.
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: “Death in Paradise is a global phenomenon and we are incredibly proud to have it on the BBC, where it goes from strength to strength. It’s with great pleasure that we share the news that we’ll be returning to Saint Marie for two more sun-soaked series and Christmas specials.”
Tim Key, Executive Producer at Red Planet Pictures, commented: “We remain incredibly proud of the show and the team that makes it, and delighted that the audience continue to love it as much as we do. The response to our latest series has been wonderful and we can’t wait to get started again – we’ve got something very special lined up to kick off our 16th season, with a big surprise setting it up in our Christmas special. Watch this space…”
Now enjoyed in 230 territories worldwide, “Death in Paradise” has built a loyal global audience over 15 years, combining escapist Caribbean settings with compelling mysteries and character-driven storytelling. The franchise has expanded with successful spin-offs including “Beyond Paradise” and “Return to Paradise”, further strengthening the brand’s domestic and international footprint.
“Death in Paradise” is produced by Red Planet Pictures, a Fremantle company, for the BBC with support from the region of Guadeloupe. BBC Studios handles global sales. Series 16 is executive produced by Tim Key and America Rodriguez for Red Planet Pictures, and Nick Lambon for the BBC. Helen Burt serves as producer, with Leon Lopez, Jamie Annett, Jesse Quinones and Di Patrick directing.
