Death in Paradise star has famous son who has also appeared on BBC show

Death in Paradise star Don Warrington, known for his role as police commissioner Selwyn Patterson of Saint Marie since the show’s 2017 debut, has a son who is also making waves in the acting world.

As the series concludes and its spin-off Beyond Paradise takes centre stage, fans are keen to delve into the cast’s personal lives.

At 72, Don has an impressive acting repertoire, from the sitcom Rising Damp to Red Dwarf, where he starred alongside his Death in Paradise co-star Danny John-Jules.

Born in Trinidad, Don moved to Newcastle upon Tyne at the tender age of seven with his mother and sibling. His father, Basil Kydd, was a prominent Trinidadian politician who sadly passed away in 1958 when Don was just six.

However, it’s Don’s son, Jake Fairbrother, who is carrying on the family’s acting tradition. Jake’s roles span from the 2012 Bond film Skyfall to the TV drama Grace, and even a guest appearance on Death in Paradise with his father in 2022.

Don as police commissioner Selwyn Patterson(Image: BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Philippe Virapin)

Jake has also appeared in Vera, The Sandman, and Alex Rider. There was a period when both Jake and Don were performing in plays in Manchester at the same time, reports Coventry Live.

Jake was part of The Maids at HOME Manchester, while Don was just up the road at the Royal Exchange theatre, starring in Death of a Salesman.

Don has a famous actor son(Image: BBC / Red Planet / Denis Guyenon)

Speaking to Quays Life in 2018, Jake said: “It’s absolutely a coincidence that my dad and I are working in Manchester at the same time, but a lovely one. He’s just down the road at the Royal Exchange in Death of a Salesman, which I saw last night!”

He continued: “His performance is incredible, everyone should try and see it. We’ll hopefully be able to grab pre-show dinners together once The Maids is up and running too.”

Don is also the proud father of Archie a comedian(Image: BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Philippe Virapin)

With both parents deeply entrenched in the theatrical world, Jake looks up to them with immense respect. His mother married to Don Mary Maddocks has graced the West End stage, notably starring in The Rocky Horror Show.

In admiration for his parents’ craft, Jake stated: “The main thing I get from both of them is they understand the art of performance and the need to perform. It’s not something you choose to do. It’s something that you can’t not do.”

Don, also a proud father to Archie, a writer and comedian, has witnessed his children flourish creatively.

Archie’s play A Place For We, which featured Inbetweeners star Blake Harrison, was released in 2021, and his comedy-drama Congton has caught the BBC’s eye, resulting in a commission.