D.e.a.t.h in Paradise star hints at romantic twist for Naomi Thomas as old flame returns

D.e.a.t.h in Paradise star Shantol Jackson has dropped some hints about a potential romance brewing for her character Naomi Thomas, as an old acquaintance makes a comeback on the series.

Shantol, who debuted as the fresh Sergeant in series 11 and quickly climbed up to Detective Sergeant, portrays Naomi as a naturally talented officer with a passion for complex cases, fitting seamlessly into the team dynamic.

With the second episode of season 14 airing tonight (7th February) on BBC One, Shantol has sparked excitement among fans, teasing developments in Naomi’s personal life. She also revealed that viewers will get glimpses into Naomi’s past before she arrived in Saint Marie.

“A man from Saint Barnabas who she hasn’t seen in a long time makes a visit, and there’s the possibility of something being rekindled,” Shantol hinted.

Additionally, Shantol suggested we may see a different aspect of Naomi, encouraging audiences to watch how her romantic endeavours unfold: “You might see a more romantic side to Naomi… But you’ll have to watch the episode and see what happens.”

Stepping into the limelight following JP Hooper’s (Tobi Bakare) exit after season 10, Shantol previously opened up about her return to the hit series, expressing her fondness for the cast, crew, and the Caribbean setting of the show.

“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,” she enthused, reports the Express.

“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.”

In the latest series opener, avid BBC viewers were gripped as new DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) tackled the mystery of a young man’s demise at the bottom of a ravine, complete with a puzzling note he left behind.

The episode also hailed the return of beloved character JP Hooper, who was keen on updates about his role from the Commissioner.

Tonight’s thrilling tale pivots to a gameshow contestant who meets a grim fate when they’re stabbed during the filming of the show’s grand finale. Audiences will reel from the sight of the victim murdered mid-flight on 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,” spills the plot teaser.

D.e.a.t.h in Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer