Judith Jacob in Death in Paradise (Image: BBC)
The latest series of BBC’s Death in Paradise has had viewers gripped so far, with the show now beginning to explore DI Mervin Wilson’s (Don Gilet) backstory.
Having arrived on Saint Marie looking for answers about his estranged mother’s death, Mervin has ended up sticking around to help out with a murder case.
A recent episode saw Mervin uncover more details about his mother’s death, prompting him to become concerned that there is more to her passing than originally thought. He was seen looking at photos of his late parent, Dorna Bray, played by Judith Jacob.
First-look images also show Judith, 63, in character, with one snap showing her holding an urn on the island. The actress will be a familiar face to many, thanks to her acting career which has spanned decades.
Judith is arguably best-known for starring in ‘s , having portrayed Carmel Jackson in the soap in the 1980s.
First-look images also show Judith, 63, in character, with one snap showing her holding an urn on the island (Image: BBC)
She joined the cast in 1986 and played Carmel for around three years, before departing in 1989. During her time in the role, Carmel suffered from severe abuse from her husband Matthew Jackson (Steven Hartley).
The storyline marked the first time had addressed domestic abuse. Carmel eventually exited Albert Square for good to look after her mother, having learned her father had passed away.
Before her role in , Judith had appeared in Channel 4 sitcom No Problem! as well as medical drama Angels. She’s also starred in The Real McCoy, The Queen’s Nose, Holby City, My Family and Doctors.
She was a founding member of BiBi crew, Britain’s first comedy troupe made up of Black actresses, which launched in 1991. Judith also hosted Judith Jacob Yabba Yabbas with Friends in the Marie Lloyd Bar at the Hackney Empire, which saw her interview other stars, such as Tameka Empson and Noel McKoy, on stage.
Judith played Carmel Jackson in EastEnders (Image: BBC)
More recently, Judith appeared in Barry Reckord’s White Witch at the Bloomsbury Theatre.
The actress is mother to daughter Aisha, who has followed in her acting footsteps. Aisha, known now as Aisha Jacob Williams, appeared in alongside her mum in the 80s, playing her on-screen niece.
Death in Paradise airs on Fridays on One at 9pm. Episodes are available to stream on iPlayer.