D.e.a.t.h in Paradise star breaks silence on future on show after newcomer clash

D.e.a.t.h in Paradise fans were thrilled to see the return of DS Naomi Thomas in the BBC crime drama's 14th season, but will she be back for more episodes in the future?

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D.e.a.t.h in Paradise made its much-anticipated return to TV screens at the end of January, with BBC viewers getting their first glimpse of DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) on the picturesque island of Saint Marie.

Although Ralf Little’s character Neville Parker is absent following his departure last season, the premiere episode was not short on familiar faces, including Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson), who became part of the show in its 11th season.

Naomi was introduced to the show after JP Hooper (Tobi Bakare) left the show. Shantol Jackson shared her enthusiasm for returning to the series, citing her deep connection to the Caribbean setting and the opportunity to use her own dialect on screen, reports the Express.

She said: “I love the fact that this is a Caribbean show and it’s a long-running Caribbean show. The fact I’m able to speak in my own dialect and I’m a part of drama set in the Caribbean, that’s what brings me back.

The new series of Death in Paradise kicked off at the end of January — The new series of D.e.a.t.h in Paradise kicked off at the end of January (Image: (Image: BBC))

“I’m adding value to something that means so much to me. I love Guadeloupe, the island and the people. I love the crew and the harmony between us all. I’m just very blessed to be a part of the D.e.a.t.h in Paradise story.”

However, she hinted at some on-screen tension, discussing her character’s less-than-favourable view of the new DI. When asked about Naomi’s initial thoughts on DI Mervin Wilson, she didn’t hold back.

She commented: “Rude, insensitive and impatient! During the Christmas special, Naomi and Darlene want Mervin to leave but they understand that the team need a Detective Inspector.

Naomi Thomas is less than thrilled with DI Mervin Wilson on the team (Image: (Image: BBC))

“He complains about the island a lot and is offensive, and that doesn’t sit well with her or Darlene! She makes these feelings known to him, but she does realise that he is very capable and intuitive.”

The integration of DI Mervin into the team on Saint Marie hangs in the balance following his not-so-warm welcome in the Christmas special.

In the opening instalment of the new series, BBC enthusiasts watched as the DI tackled the case of a young man found dead at the bottom of a ravine, alongside an enigmatic message left behind.

Will DI Mervin settle into Saint Marie over time? (Image: (Image: BBC))

The preview for the upcoming episode hints at intrigue, it reads: “A game show contestant is stabbed during the filming of the series’s grand finale. In a baffling turn of events, the victim is murdered in mid-air whilst hurtling down a zip line.

“As various members of the TV crew come under suspicion, Mervin surprises his colleagues by signing a contract to prolong his stay on Saint Marie. However, he and Selwyn clash when it becomes clear Mervin has an ulterior motive for extending his visit. It also turns out that Selwyn has secrets of his own.”

D.e.a.t.h in Paradise continues Fridays on BBC One from 9pm.