Death in Paradise series 15: Plot, start date and fantastic new guest cast - including Don Gilet's real girlfriend - confirmed

There are stars from Spooks, Miranda, and Gavin & Stacey!
Helen Fear
By Helen Fear

Death in Paradise is back on our screens very soon, and BBC One has just confirmed the start date and fantastic guest cast who will be starring in the upcoming series 15.

The crime drama is best known for its high-crime rate, revolving door of detectives, and the high calibre of famous faces who pop up every week. Look no further than the Christmas special for proof… Fans saw actors from Line of Duty and Doctor Who join the ensemble.

And the 2026 episodes will be no different. Here’s everything we know about the plot, start date, and guest cast turning up in Saint Marie for series 15.

Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson and the Death in Paradise gang
DI Mervin Wilson and the gang will be back in series 15 with some new faces (Credit: BBC)

Is there a series 15 of Death in Paradise?

The BBC confirmed that Death in Paradise had started filming series 15 in April 2025. Alongside a shot of a clapperboard on a beach, they wrote: “We’re back in paradise! Filming has begun this week in Guadeloupe on the brand-new series of #DeathInParadise.”

Of course, fans were never in any doubt that the series would return. If it ain’t broke, why fix it?!

The series has been running since 2011, and is now on its fifth detective!

What’s the plot?

Series 15 of Death in Paradise catches up with DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) as he continues to adjust to life in Saint Marie. And, once again, he and the police team must face a myriad of baffling cases…

Of course, this latest series will focus heavily on Mervin’s attempts to connect his recently discovered half-brother Solomon (who will be played by actor Daniel Ward). However, Mervin’s “newfound familial happiness” soon turns to frustration as he discovers the pair are not quite as similar as he hoped they might be…

The synopsis adds: “Returning Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) confronts the impact of his recent period of absence. And, after some tough love from old friend, Catherine Bordey (Elizabeth Bourgine), he’s determined to win back the trust of the island.

“Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson) and Officer Sebastian Rose (Shaquille Ali-Yebuah) help new recruit Sergeant Mattie Fletcher (Catherine Garton) settle into the fold, which might be easier said than done as shadows from her past begin to reveal themselves.”

Catherine Garton as Jane Hart in The War Between The Land And The Sea
Catherine Garton, seen here as Jane Hart in The War Between The Land And The Sea, is Saint Marie’s newest recruit (Credit: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/Samuel Dore)

Who will appear in the guest cast of Death in Paradise series 15?

The BBC has now confirmed the guest cast list that will appear across all eight episodes of series 15. And there are some iconic names joining the series regulars.

No offence to anyone else, but we’re most excited about the arrival of Happy Valley’s Siobhan Finneran. Of course, the TV legend played Catherine Cawood’s long-suffering sister Clare Cartwright in the brilliant BBC drama. In real life, Siobhan has been dating actor Don Gilet for several years.

Also joining the guest cast of Death in Paradise series 15 will be Spooks and Cold Feet actress Hermione Norris, and Gavin & Stacey comic actor Steffan Rhodri. Miranda’s Sarah Hadland, Moonflower Murders’ Tim McMullan, and Green Wing’s Julian Rhind-Tutt will appear, too.

Children’s TV presenter from the 80s Gary Wilmott will be playing an undisclosed role, while Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge will be back as Sterling Fox.

Meanwhile, This is Going to Hurt actor Daniel Ward joins the cast as Mervin’s half-brother Solomon, and Catherine Garton will play Saint Marie’s latest recruit Sergeant Mattie Fletcher.

Expect to see all of these famous faces arrive in Saint Marie, too:

  • Ghosts star Ben Willbond, aka Captain.
  • Malpractice’s Ace Bhatti.
  • Poldark’s Louis Davison.
  • Scarlett Alice Johnson, best known for playing Vicki in EastEnders.
  • Killing Eve’s Sean Delaney.
  • Such Brave Girls’ Lizzie Davidson.
  • The Outlaws’ Kojo Kamara.
  • The Stolen Girl’s Layo-Christina Akinlude.
  • Wild Cherry’s Sandra James-Young.
  • Curfew’s Phoebe Sparrow.
  • Downton Abbey’s Antonia Bernath.
Daniel Ward as Paul in This Is Going To Hurt
Daniel Ward, seen here in This Is Going To Hurt joins the cast of Death in Paradise as Mervin’s brother Soloman (Credit: BBC)

How many episodes is Death in Paradise series 15?

The new series of the detective drama will be eight episodes of one hour each, alongside a Christmas special.

This follows the same pattern as the previous 14 series.

When is the start date?

Death in Paradise will return with a brand-new series on Friday, January 30, 2026.

Fans will be able to watch on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.

Read more: Death in Paradise series 15: Everything we know about 2026 return with Don Gilet as DI Wilson

Death in Paradise series 15 starts on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Friday, January 30, 2026.