DEATH in Paradise has undergone a major show shake-up with a fan favourite REPLACED – and more disruption to come.
Commissioner Selwyn Patterson – played by Don Warrington – has been a staple of the BBC show since its 2011 debut.
In an ongoing storyline, Selwyn has learned he’s being phased out of the role.
Tonight’s episode revealed the fan favourite is going on leave before exiting for good.
Viewers were introduced to his replacement on Saint Marie — Sterling Fox (Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge), who arrived for a handover.
Brash, young Sterling immediately made his presence felt by establishing a first-name basis with Commissioner Patterson.
The newcomer then proceeded to share his thoughts about Saint Marie.
“You know Selwyn, I’ve only been on this island five minutes and I’ve already fallen in love with it”, he said.
Sterling added: “Such a cute little place you got going on. I know I’m going to have the best time working here.”
He mentioned his soon-to-be predecessor is thought of as a “total living legend”, back at HQ in Jamaica.
This promoted Selwyn to quip: “Makes you wonder why they’re getting rid of me.”
Upon meeting the team, Sterling revealed his intention for one-to-one sessions, to “improve things” and “cut back on waste”.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=” Death in Paradise viewers slam BBC show after huge shake-up” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6369182484112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Although Naomi (Shantol Thomas) soon identified the newcomer was there to cut costs.
Sterling wished Selwyn best of luck for the future as they parted ways.
The teaser for next week’s instalment hints at conflict between Sterling and DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet).
It shows the team investigating the suspicious death of Dorna Bray; Mervin’s birth mother.
She was reason Mervin originally came to Saint Marie, only to later learn of her passing.
Sterling is shown saying: “The Dorna Bray case, we need to close it down.”
As a visibly distraught Mervin responds: “You can’t do this.”
What further changes will Sterling make on the island?
Death in Paradise continues on BBC One and iPlayer.
