fans are up in arms after noticing a beloved character missing from the lineup of the upcoming 14th series. The absence of Danny John Jules, who plays fan-favourite Dwayne Myers, has left viewers questioning whether the iconic officer is gone for good.
The ’s hit crime drama, set on the stunning fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie, has been a fan favourite for over a decade. But while the show’s new season promises fresh cases and returning stars, there’s no sign of Dwayne, who was last seen in the recent Christmas special.
In the festive episode, Dwayne announced his decision to step away from the force to spend time with his elderly father, Nelson, played by Ram John Holder. “I’m going to be handing my badge in,” he said. “I’ve just realised there are more important things I need to be doing in my life right now.”
Dwayne, who originally appeared in the first seven seasons, made a brief return for the 2021 Christmas special, much to the delight of fans. But now, with his name missing from promotional materials for the new series, many have taken to social media to express their dismay.
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There was no sign of Dwayne Ward (played by Danny John-Jules) (Image: BBC)
“Where is Dwayne?” one frustrated fan wrote on . Another added, “I’m behind a season I think, but he’s one of my favourites & can’t never retire!”
While viewers might have to come to terms with Dwayne’s absence, there is some good news.
Tobi Bakare’s JP Hooper, another beloved character, is making a surprise return this season. JP, who left Saint Marie to focus on his family, will rejoin the team for the new series, much to fans’ excitement.
The series will also feature newcomer Don Gilet as Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson. Gilet made his debut in the Christmas special and has already earned praise from critics.
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Another beloved character is making a surprise return this season (Image: BBC)
In a three-star review of Death in Paradise’s latest Christmas special, critic Ed Power wrote: “There are moments when this Christmas one-off threatens to lose its footing and tumble head over heels like Santa slipping on a dodgy roof tile. The good news is that Gilet is a great addition to the series. His phlegmatic, crotchety persona harks back to the OG Death in Paradise policeman abroad, Richard Poole.”
Power also hinted at a deeper storyline for DI Wilson, revealing: “Poole was forever grumbling about life on a glorious tropical island. DI Wilson has some of that same Columbo-esque energy, complaining early on that visiting Saint Marie is ‘like stepping back in time’. But there’s deep sadness under that glum exterior, and it is revealed that he came to the island hoping to connect with his mother, whom he had never known.”
Death in Paradise set to return to One on January 31 and fans can stream past episodes on iPlayer.