DEATH in Paradise fans have been left stunned as the first episode of series fourteen featured a shocking twist.
The series introduced a new officer to the Saint Marie police force, with actor Anthony J Abraham taking on the role of Officer Benjamin Brice.
However, his time on the show was tragically cut short within minutes of the new season’s premiere.
The episode opens with a monologue from Benjamin, as he reflects on his childhood struggles and his journey toward finding purpose in life.
He recalls feeling out of place in his own family.
His mother wanted him to focus on chores, while his father, a car thief, attempted to involve him in criminal activities.
However, Benjamin found solace in his studies and ultimately discovered his true calling at the Saint Marie police academy.
Speaking directly to the camera in a heartfelt social media post, he tells viewers: “When I completed training, I’d never felt so proud of myself. In the morning, I’ve got my first shift with the team here on Saint Marie – and I can’t wait.
“The reason I’m telling you all of this, making this post which is something I never do, is because I want you to know that if you’re feeling lost, you don’t need to go through what I did.
“You just need to find your purpose in life, like me. Once you do, nobody can take that away from you.”
But the next morning, Sergeant Naomi Thomas is puzzled by Benjamin’s absence.
Her concern quickly escalates when the station receives a distressing phone call from a woman who has discovered a body dressed in a police uniform.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Don Gilet makes his debut in Death in Paradise Christmas Special” 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=”6366353185112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]In a devastating twist, Benjamin is found face down in the dirt where his body was discarded in a roadside ditch, still carrying his backpack for his first day on the job.
The brutal and unexpected nature of Benjamin’s death has left viewers reeling, with many taking to social media to express their shock.