Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise star opens up on reuniting with former detective in spin-off Beyond Paradise
Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise fans will be thrilled to see Tobi Bakare reprise his role as JP Hooper for a special appearance in the upcoming series of the BBC drama
Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise favourite Tobi Bakare, known for his role as JP Hooper, is set to make a sensational return to the beloved BBC series tonight, much to the delight of fans. JP had previously departed Saint Marie with his family after receiving a promotion within the police force.
The sergeant confirmed his appearance in one episode, sparking speculation about whether he might become a permanent fixture again. The new series will also introduce Don Gilet as the lead detective, DI Mervin Wilson, stepping into the shoes left by Ralf Little’s DI Neville Parker.
In a conversation with Express.co.uk and other media ahead of the premiere, Tobi opened up about his decision to come back to the show and the possibility of featuring in the Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise spin-off, Beyond Paradise, potentially reuniting him with Kris Marshall.
Tobi and Kris, who portrays DI Humphrey Goodman in Beyond Paradise, had previously shared the screen in Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise before both characters departed. Kris later returned to his role for the spin-off, which is set against the picturesque backdrop of Devon and Cornwall.
When discussing his eagerness to reprise the role of JP, Tobi said: “It was the fact that I was around the season before; I had a little episode in the season before.
“I always say, you know when a storyline makes sense, an actor serves a story, and as much as the proximity between the two episodes, this one and the previous one, I thought was a bit much.
“Sometimes, as an actor, you can get insecure and start thinking, ‘I don’t want people to think I’m just trying to eat off Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise so much, I want to show them I’ve moved on.'”
He added, “But to be honest with you, as I said, the show is phenomenal. Tim [Key] is phenomenal. The storyline is great, and Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise is home. It’s a second home for me, so it’s always going to be a privilege to be asked to come back.
“It just had to make a bit of sense, and it made sense, and I was like, ‘Yeah, let’s do this’.”
The synopsis for the episode teases: “Though the team members are looking forward to welcoming a new recruit into their midst, Mervin, in contrast, cannot wait to get away from the island.
“However, before he catches his flight, he becomes embroiled in the murder of a young man whose body has been recovered from a ravine. The case becomes more compelling when it is discovered the victim has left behind a mysterious message.”
Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise returns tonight at 9pm on BBC One.
