Death in Paradise first look sees Selwyn’s replacement drop major bombshell on DI Mervin
Commissioner Selwyn Patterson has left Death in Paradise, and newcomer Sterling Fox has some unwelcome news to share with DI Mervin Wilson in an upcoming episode
Death in Paradise has given a brief glimpse of a new character shaking things up in Saint Marie with a troubling announcement.
The BBC show has recently introduced newcomer Sterling Fox (played by Holby City alum Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge), who stepped in after the gutting exit of Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, played by Don Warrington.
In a first-look scene given exclusively to the Mirror, Fox suggests he’s here to stay – to the disgruntlement of the other cops on the island. The scene shows the latest Detective Inspector, Mervin Wilson (played by Don Gilet), parked up in town with Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas (played by Shantol Jackson).
“Oh no, please not him,” DS Thomas says as she notices Fox approaching their van, with the newcomer even forgetting her name.
Commissioner Selwyn’s exit has made room for smarmy Sterling Fox, who will soon make an unwanted revelation to DI Mervin Wilson
After the duo get out of the police van, DI Wilson sarcastically says: “I thought we only had the pleasure of your company every other Wednesday.”
Fox then shakes things up by hinting that he’ll be a permanent feature in their lives – for the time being at least. “I’ll be around for a few days while I’m still getting up to speed,” he shares. “Aren’t we the lucky ones,” DI Wilson sassily comments, turning to exchange a less-than-pleased glance with Thomas.
Fox’s presence as a main character will be sure to add to tension in the police force, after he immediately raised hackles by describing Commissioner Selwyn’s workspace as “cute” when first meeting his new colleagues.
It’s also been reported that Sterling will try to get in DI Wilson’s way as he continues to investigate his mum’s suspicious death, which Selwyn was helping him with before his shock departure.
Selwyn was forced to leave after the police force had to make budget cuts in order to save the station, with the Commissioner role axed completely despite a petition and calls from the residents of Saint Marie to save him.
Fans were equally as unhappy as the residents on screen, and took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share how sad they were to see Selwyn go.
“Going to miss the Commissioner,” one person said, with a second echoing: “Surely #DeathInParadise can’t get rid of Selwyn.” Another asked: “So gutted, how can they actually replace Selwyn?”
While the BBC has given a glimpse of what’s coming up next, Season 14’s finale is on hold as part of a big schedule change from the broadcaster.
The schedule change has resulted in a complete overhaul of programs, leaving many eager viewers frustrated. Season 14’s closing episode was initially expected to air next Friday, March 21, but it will now be replaced by Comic Relief on BBC One.
The finale has been delayed as a result, and fans can expect it to air on March 28 – one week after it was initially scheduled.
