Death in Paradise Christmas special 2026: BBC One teases a killer mystery with Caroline Catz, Charlie Higson and Shaun Dooley
We're feeling festive already!
Death in Paradise‘s annual Christmas special is as traditional in the UK as mince pies and a gravy-stained festive jumper, and 2026 will be no exception.
The BBC has unveiled a first look at the “killer Christmas mystery” which will guest star TV favourites Shaun Dooley, Charlie Higson and Caroline Catz. Now that is a bumper crop of famous faces.
As well as all-star guest cast, the Beeb has teased a “fiendishly compelling Caribbean mystery”. So here’s what we know so far about the Death in Paradise Christmas special 2026, including its early release date on iPlayer…
Is there a Death in Paradise Christmas special in 2026?
Yes, of course there’s a Death in Paradise Christmas special in 2026! The festive season just wouldn’t be the same without it.
The popular crime drama has filmed a seasonal episode every year since 2021 (series 10). That year – a Ralf Little edition – saw a wealthy shipping magnate found shot dead at a Christmas party.
This year, the Beeb has promised us “sunshine, secrets and a killer Christmas” with a brand-new feature-length special of Death in Paradise and a “fiendishly compelling Caribbean mystery”.
When is the Death in Paradise Christmas special released in 2026?
The Christmas special will be available on BBC iPlayer from Friday, November 27, 2026 with the episode airing on BBC One over the festive season.
This is also the case with Beyond Paradise 2026 Christmas special, which will also drop on BBC iPlayer on Friday, 27 November.
What is the plot?
As Christmas approaches on Saint Marie, celebrations take a deadly turn. Naturally!
When the patriarch of one of Britain’s most famous families is murdered on their private Saint Marie island, the Pendleford dynasty is thrust firmly into the spotlight – and under suspicion.
A synopsis tells us: “The police team must pick through a combustible mix of family tensions, bitter rivalries and carefully buried secrets. And everyone has something to hide. As festive cheer curdles into suspicion and Seb and Mattie follow a crucial lead, a shocking connection to the past emerges. Can Mervin and the team unmask the killer before they strike again?”
The Pendleford investigation also threatens the team’s festive plans… Naomi finds herself torn between duty and family, while Selwyn is forced to revisit a case from his past with devastating consequences. Catherine’s Christmas also takes an unexpected turn when a chance encounter brings someone new into her life.
Who’s in the cast of the festive episode?
Don Gilet’s DI Mervin Wilson is back on the case, alongside the Sainte Marie team.
Don Warrington returns as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, alongside Shantol Jackson’s DS Naomi Thomas, Shaquille Ali-Yebuah’s Officer Sebastian Rose, Catherine Garton’s Sergeant Mattie Fletcher, and Élizabeth Bourgine’s Catherine Bordey.
And, as per, there’s a brilliant guest cast of famous faces from the world of comedy and beyond. They include:
- The Fast Show’s Charlie Higson.
- Doc Martin’s Caroline Catz.
- Gentleman Jack’s Shaun Dooley.
- Line of Duty’s Anneika Rose.
- Coronation Street’s Alexandra Mardell.
- Such Brave Girls’ Freddie Meredith.
- The Winter King’s Ene Frost.
Death in Paradise Christmas special 2026 release date?
The 2026 Death in Paradise Christmas special will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer from Friday, November 27 2026.
The episode will then be broadcast on BBC One over the festive season, exact date to be announced.
