Death in Paradise series 15 will return without long-standing fan favourite: 'The character will be missed'
The upcoming series will say goodbye to a main character, and welcome several new faces
Death in Paradise will be returning for series 15 without fan favourite Ginny Holder, and viewers have expressed their “sadness” at her departure.
After eight years on and off, actress Ginny won’t be on screen in the upcoming episodes on BBC One. The channel confirmed the news in a social media post this week, just days ahead of the series 15 start date.
The Beeb thanked the actor for her performances as Darlene Curtis and even teased that she’d be welcome back in the future.
Here’s everything we know about Ginny Holder’s departure from Death in Paradise, why she is leaving, and who is replacing her.
Is Officer Darlene Curtis actress Ginny Holder in Death in Paradise series 15?
BBC One has confirmed that Ginny Holder has officially left Death in Paradise. Her character Officer Darlene Curtis will not be appearing in series 15.
The channel shared the news on their social media channels. They said: “Sadly, we’re saying goodbye to Darlene this series. Ginny Holder has been a much-loved cast member, and we’re hugely grateful to her for bringing her talent to Officer Darlene Curtis.”
The post added: “We wish her all the best – maybe we’ll catch up with her in Saint Marie in the future!”
That definitely sounds like the door has been left open for the actress and her character to return…
Why did she leave?
Although neither the Beeb nor actress Ginny have revealed why she won’t be returning to the crime drama. We do know that Death in Paradise viewers will miss her greatly.
The character of Darlene first appeared in season 7 of the BBC One crime drama. The show introduced her as Dwayne Myers’ love interest, who worked as the police station’s office admin. Of course, fans know that she subsequently trained to become a police officer. She then became a vital member of the team.
Although she did appear in the 2025 Christmas special, she didn’t get a lot of screen time. She only popped up briefly via mobile phone screen. Her character was away caring for her aunt who was unwell.
What is Ginny Holder doing now?
Ginny will soon appear in series 3 of The Capture, which is coming up in the spring schedules on BBC One. She’ll reprise the role she first played in 2019’s series 1.
The London-born actress portrayed DS Nadia Latif, who later became a DI. She also appeared in series 2, which aired in 2022.
Who is replacing Ginny Holder’s Darlene in Death in Paradise series 10?
Actress Catherine Garton joins the cast of Death in Paradise series 15 as new character Sergeant Mattie Fletcher. The War Between the Land and the Sea viewers will know her as Corporal Jane Hart.
The rest of the main characters will be back. Don Gilet returns as DI Mervin Wilson, as does Shantol Jackson as DS Naomi Thomas, Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Officer Sebastian Rose, Don Warrington as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, and Elizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey.
The BBC has also announced its guest cast, including Happy Valley favourite Siobhan Finneran and Spooks’ Hermione Norris.
Sadly, we’re saying goodbye to Darlene this series. Ginny Holder has been a much-loved cast member, and we’re hugely grateful to her for bringing her talent to Officer Darlene Curtis.
We wish her all the best – maybe we’ll catch up with her in Saint Marie in the future! pic.twitter.com/Ex4H4j2jXR
— Death in Paradise (@deathinparadise) January 20, 2026
Darlene “will be missed”
Death in Paradise fans have already expressed their sadness at the departure of Ginny Holder.
One said: “Darlene will be missed – who else will put DI Mervin in his place?!”
Another added: “She’s been such an amazing character for the show and I’m sure we will all miss her smiling face.”
A third typed: “Aww, Darlene will be missed and have enjoyed her character very much. Wishing @GinnyHolder1 all the best for the future and hope it won’t be too long before we see her on screen again.”
“I love Darlene, the character will be missed and the actor who played her so brilliantly,” said another. While another said: “Gutted, she’s been a great character.”
