BBC confirms Dᴇᴀᴛʜ In Paradise replacement as former star takes over slot
After Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise's final episode aired on Friday, the BBC has confirmed what will replace the show in its usual 9pm slot - and there is good news for fans
In a significant programming reshuffle, Dᴇᴀᴛʜ In Paradise has been dropped from the BBC lineup after its last episode aired on Friday, March 28.
The beloved crime series set on the fictional Saint Marie will make way for the TV panel show Have I Got News For You, which starts on Friday, April 4 at 9pm, followed by the comedy-drama Austin at 9.30pm. Interestingly, Austin features Ben Miller, familiar to Dᴇᴀᴛʜ In Paradise fans as DI Richard Poole, ensuring viewers can continue to enjoy the talents of the 59-year-old actor and comedian.
However, fans of the ‘Paradise’ franchise can look forward to Beyond Paradise, which is now airing on BBC One on Fridays at 8pm.
Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise has maintained its popularity among audiences despite changes in its cast. The role of the detective solving crimes in Saint Marie was taken over by Don Gilet in the 2024 Christmas special.
While the BBC has not officially confirmed a 15th season for Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise, Don hinted at a return during an appearance on Lorraine earlier this year, mentioning that filming for new episodes in Guadeloupe is slated to begin in April.
As reported by Radio Times, he commented: “Unfortunately, it is about April time, end of April.”
When questioned about the downsides of departing for sunny filming locations, Don clarified that his comment was in reference to the people he would be leaving behind.
Don has charmed viewers with his performance as the British detective on Saint Marie in Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise, especially since he took over from the 2024 Christmas special. With his initial series fully underway, audiences were intrigued by the investigation into the Dᴇᴀᴛʜ of DI Mervin Wilson’s birth mother.
Drama ensued within the plot when Commissioner Don Warrington’s character sought to halt the investigation, leading to widespread speculation among fans about a possible return for Selwyn after a teaser showed considerations for the Commissioner’s future and his jaunt to Jamaica.
Describing Selwyn’s reaction to unexpected news, Don Gilet said to The Mirror, “Not well. It’s shocking for him, and he does his best to get the superiors to change their decision and see things differently … It’s very interesting because we discover other aspects of Selwyn and that’s always the joy about playing a character like him – there are so many different sides to him.”
Highlighting character development, he added: “You think you know about somebody but due to life events, you learn more about them. He’s opening up, he’s a bit like a flower coming in to bloom.”
Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise is available to watch on BBC IPlayer.
