returned to screens at the end of January as fans welcomed newcomer DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) to the island of Saint Marie.
Although the series won’t feature Neville Parker’s () after his departure at the end of last season, plenty of fan-favourites were seen in the first episode.
One of which includes Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas (Shanton Jackson) who joined the show in its 11th season.
Viewers saw the newcomer join the force following the exit of JP Hooper (Tobi Bakare). Speaking about her reasons for coming back to the show, the actress expressed her love for the cast and crew.
The new series of Death in Paradise kicked off at the end of January (Image: BBC)
She commented: “I love the fact that this is a Caribbean show and it’s a long-running Caribbean show. The fact I’m able to speak in my own dialect and I’m a part of drama set in the Caribbean, that’s what brings me back.
“I’m adding value to something that means so much to me. I love Guadeloupe, the island and the people. I love the crew and the harmony between us all. I’m just very blessed to be a part of the Death in Paradise story.”
However, the actress touched on her character’s indifference to the new DI and it’s clear the pair don’t see eye-to eye.
When asked what Naomi’s first impressions were of DI Mervin Wilson, she replied: “Rude, insensitive and impatient! During the Christmas special, Naomi and Darlene want Mervin to leave but they understand that the team need a Detective Inspector.
Naomi Thomas is less than thrilled with DI Mervin Wilson on the team (Image: BBC)
“He complains about the island a lot and is offensive, and that doesn’t sit well with her or Darlene! She makes these feelings known to him, but she does realise that he is very capable and intuitive.”
Time will only tell if DI Mervin will settle in with the team on Saint Marie after a less warm reception during the Christmas special.
In the first episode of the new series, fans saw the DI tasked with solving the murder of a young man whose body was recovered from a ravine. Mystery increased when it was discovered the victim had left behind a mysterious message.
Will DI Mervin settle into Saint Marie over time? (Image: BBC)
A synopsis for the next episode reads: “A game show contestant is stabbed during the filming of the series’s grand finale. In a baffling turn of events, the victim is murdered in mid-air whilst hurtling down a zip line.
“As various members of the TV crew come under suspicion, Mervin surprises his colleagues by signing a contract to prolong his stay on Saint Marie. However, he and Selwyn clash when it becomes clear Mervin has an ulterior motive for extending his visit. It also turns out that Selwyn has secrets of his own.”
Death in Paradise continues Fridays on One from 9pm