The wait is almost over as returns to screens this week as season 14 kicks off. Fans of the show will welcome back the regular cast along with the new addition of DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet).
However, there’s one familiar face returning to Saint Marie after leaving back in 2021. Actor Tobi Bakare played JP Hooper on the long-running show for seven years before deciding to leave.
Death in Paradise fans saw the beloved character make his exit after Commissioner Selwyn Patterson offered him a job elsewhere. Accepting the new role, JP uprooted his family and left at the end of season 10.
The actor revealed he knew his time on the show was over three years before his character left Saint Marie. He told RadioTimes the realisation came after an incident he had while filming for season seven in a church.
He told RadioTimes: “The preacher mentioned seven years in a message. As soon as he mentioned seven years, I don’t know what happened. It just clicked.
Tobi Bakare’s Death in Paradise exit explained as he makes return to BBC series – (Image: BBC)
“It was like a moment of realisation. I had three more years left. It was three more years until it would be seven years, but it just hit me so hard.
“At this time, my wife was in the UK, and I told her that I know when it’s going to be time for me to leave the show.
“But I wanted her to go away, pray about it, and think about it. She’d done so, and called me up the next day, and said, ‘2020’. So the exact time of the seven years. So we were like, ‘Yeah, that’s the time.’ That’s the actual reason.”
Although Tobi confessed to his co-star Tahj Miles, who plays Officer Marlon Pryce, that he would have stayed another year for him.
Death in Paradise fans will see JP Hooper return to Saint Marie (Image: BBC)
He told Tahj: “You were the one that created the conflict in between me leaving because we found the flow.”
Tahj’s character joined the show in season 10 and viewers saw him clash with JP. However, their rocky friendship was solved before he left the island.
Although viewers will have to wait and see if their friendship will remain in tact when JP makes his return. Death in Paradise’s official announced the news of Tobi’s comeback, with many thrilled.
Tobi will be returning to his role as JP Hooper for season 14 (Image: BBC)
One person commented: “So nice to see Tobi back, loved his character.” Another added: “I miss you JP!”
Someone else wrote: “OMG I hope we get JP for more than one epsode!!” One fan said: “Hope JP is back to stay!”
Another person commented: “Yayyy!!! JP!!!! Would LOVE to have JP back for several episodes.” Whilst one viewer added: “Ahhhh JP is back!!!”
Season 14 of Death in Paradise premiered on One and iPlayer on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 9 PM