Fans of Death in Paradise have been left heartbroken following the axing of one of their favourite characters.
As the BBC drama gears up for its 15th series, fans were left perplexed after one star’s name was missing from a new cast list.
Announcing on social media, the Death in Paradise team confirmed that Officer Darlene Curtis, played by Ginny Holder, will be leaving the show.
Alongside a montage of Darlene’s best moments, a statement read: ‘Sadly, we’re saying goodbye to Darlene this series. Ginny Holder has been a much-loved cast member, and we’re hugely grateful to her for bringing her talent, personality, and energy to Officer Darlene Curtis.’
Hinting at her potential return later down the line, however, the statement added: ‘We wish her all the best – maybe we’ll catch up with her in Saint Marie down the line!’
But, taking to X, fans of the BBC series were left ‘gutted’, as @MissAlexOBrien wrote: ‘Darlene will be missed – who else will put DI Mervin in his place?!’
Paul also wrote that he will be ‘gutted’ as she was a ‘great character’, as Hev added: ‘Aww, Darlene will be missed and have enjoyed her character very much. Wishing @GinnyHolder1 all the best for the future and hope it won’t be too long before we see her on screen again.’
Claire additionally wrote: ‘Oh no! How sad! I adore the spice and class Darlene brings to the show. Wishing Ginny all the very best.’
Meanwhile, Elizabeth said she was a ‘perfect’ character on the show and was a ‘breath of fresh air’.
Following Holder’s exit from the drama, Sergeant Mattie Fletcher – played by actress Catherine Garton – will be taking her place.
Joining her, Don Gilet will return to his position as Detective Mervin Wilson alongside Shantol Jackson, as DS Naomi Thomas.
In addition, Don Warrington will once again star as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson with Elizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey and Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Officer Sebastian Rose.
This comes after Death in Paradise viewers declared last year that the show ‘won’t be the same’ after Commissioner Selwyn, played by Don Warrington, informed his team of his looming departure.
‘I’ve been keeping something from you, which, on the advice of my trusted friend, I have decided to share with you all,’ he said.
‘The position of Saint Marie police commissioner is being phased out. I’m being phased out.’
His emotional announcement caught fans by surprise, as audiences at home declared he would be sorely missed.
Death in Paradise returns on January 30 on BBC One.
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