Death In Paradise off air in schedule shake-up as fans braced for twist (2025)

The Death In Paradise series finale was due to be air but viewers will have to wait a little longer.

Death In Paradise has been taken off the air this evening following a dramatic twist involving Commissioner Selwyn Patterson. In last week's episode, Commissioner Patterson, played by Don Warrington, was forced to step down after a younger colleague from Jamaica arrived in Saint Marie to take over his role, leaving fans heartbroken.

Despite the team's protests, it seemed Selwyn's time in the role had come to an end.

The show typically airs on Friday evenings. However, due to Comic Relief, the final episode will now air on Friday, March 29, instead.

A preview of the upcoming eighth episode reveals: "Just as he is about to fly home, Mervin finds himself at the centre of a murder investigation when a body is discovered in his shack. While he professes his innocence, the team is perplexed with the circumstances - namely how the victim ended up inside a locked building with no sign of forced entry.

"The woman's identity remains elusive until they discover she was volunteering at a local turtle conservation charity. Meanwhile, Selwyn delivers some personal news to Mervin that turns everything on its head."

This raises questions about whether both DI Mervin Wilson and Commissioner Patterson will depart the show, or if one or both will decide to stay, reports the Mirror.

While fans of Death In Paradise may be disappointed to hear that the show will not air tonight, there's a comical treat in store with a special crossover sketch featuring Beyond Paradise and Not Going Out.

Sally Bretton, known for her role as Martha on the BBC hit drama, is crossing over into the world of Lee Mack's sitcom for Comic Relief.

She said: "It was great fun to have the two worlds collide, play my own doppelganger and get swept up in the madness that comes with that. It was particularly special to be doing it all for such a brilliant cause as Comic Relief.

"The sketch was filmed at such high speed, we didn't know if we were coming or going. I don't know how Lee Mack holds all the moving parts in his head. We all had a great day filled with fun, confusion and belly laughs."

Kris Marshall, Detective Humphrey Goodman on the detective series added: "It's always a delight to be able to combine the joys of comedy with the ability to help the many worthwhile charities that Comic Relief supports.

"And that as a part of the hilarious mistaken identities and sliding-doors pastiche in a melange of two of the BBC's most beloved shows, I can be a small cog in this year's wonderful evening of fun, frolics and fundraising."

Since its launch over ten years ago, Death In Paradise has become beloved by viewers, enchanting them with a rotating cast of lead detectives, the latest being DI Neville Parker, portrayed by Ralf Little.

Don Gilet assumed the main role as DI Mervin Wilson. However, with Mervin having now resolved his mother's murder and intending to return home, could his stint on Saint Marie be brief?