We’re heading back to Saint Marie.
Season 13 of Death in Paradise is on its way, with the premiere marking the show’s 100th episode, which means there will be “plenty of surprises to celebrate that milestone”, as teased by executive producer Tim Key.
Once again, viewers can expect some “much-needed escapism, compelling whodunnits and perplexing puzzles” in the shiny new episodes, which will arrive in 2024.
“With its sparkling blend of mystery, humour and heart, Death in Paradise continues to delight the millions of us who make the return trip to Saint Marie with every sun-drenched episode,” said Lindsay Salt, director of BBC drama. “It is a programme that goes from strength to strength, and I could not be happier that it will return.”
Read on for everything you need to know about Death in Paradise season 13.
Death in Paradise season 13 release date speculation: When will it air?
We expect season 13 to kick off in January 2024, as is tradition.
Read more:
- BBC confirms new Death in Paradise spin-off set in Australia
- Why Death in Paradise’s Neville had to stay on the island
Every season, bar the first, has arrived at the start of the New Year.
Death in Paradise cast: Who’s returning?
There was a big question mark hanging over Neville Parker’s future throughout season 12, but in the finale it was confirmed that he’d be staying put on the island, which means Ralf Little will be back next season alongside:
- Don Warrington as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson
- Shantol Jackson plays Sergeant Naomi Thomas
- Tahj Miles as Marlon Pryce
- Ginny Holder plays Darlene Curtis
- Élizabeth Bourgine plays Catherine Bordey
And you can also expect plenty of guest stars, too. Season 12 welcomed Peep Show’s Robert Webb and Silent Witness star Genesis Lynea, among others, so expect lots more where that came from.
As for Chelsea Edge, who played Sophie Chambers, her time on the show drew to a close after she was found guilty of murder, which she tried to pin on Neville.
Death in Paradise season 13 plot: What will happen?
Neville and Sophie are no more after it emerged that she had targeted him to seek revenge for her sister’s imprisonment and subsequent death. So much for his happily ever after…
“I was really impressed with the ambition of the storyline,” Little told RadioTimes.com. “After the 10-year mark, shows can rest on their laurels a bit or even run out of ideas. And actually, I think this series just keeps getting better and better and more and more ambitious.
“So my first thought was, ‘What an amazing set of bold choices for the creative team to make.’ I was delighted.”
Understandably, the detective was rocked by her betrayal – and began questioning his own sleuthing capabilities. The light had left his eyes, with Neville on the verge of leaving Saint Marie.
But eventually, he made the decision to stay, for now at least.
“It’s good to have you back, sir,” said Naomi.
“It’s good to be back,” he responded.
But it remains to be seen how long Neville will remain in the Caribbean. He’s turned a corner, but that doesn’t mean the doubt won’t creep in once again and in the Christmas special, his confidence in finding the one remains at an all-time low.
But at least he’ll have a slew of murders to keep him distracted.
And his friends and colleagues will also have their own personal issues to manage, some of which arise in the Christmas special.
“We’re going to try and pick up with the tone [from] the end of last year,” Little said in an Instagram Q&A in September. “We really tried to push the boat out with series 12, with not just a mystery every week and just solving the mystery and moving on, but over the course of the series really trying to find challenges for the main characters.
“There’s going to be more challenges for the characters.”
How many episodes will Death in Paradise season 13 have?
Every season of the show has had eight episodes, so barring a big change, we’d expect season 13 to follow that pattern.
All 12 seasons of Death in Paradise are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide or visit our Drama hub for more news and features.
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