Death in Paradise Christmas special cast – meet the characters
By Abby Robinson
Published: Thursday, 22 December 2022 at 12:00 am
Death in Paradise is getting the Christmas special treatment this year ahead of the airing of season 12.
The episode, which will make its debut at 9pm on Boxing Day, sees DI Neville Parker and co tasked with solving yet another murder – cheery, we know! But fans can expect a sprinkling of festive fun to lighten the mood.
This time round, Christmas in Saint Marie takes a spooky turn when an old case of Selwyn’s comes back to haunt him following the murder of a true crime podcaster on the hunt for a missing child.
A number of our favourite faces are returning for the festive special including Don Warrington as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey and Ralf Little as DI Neville Parker.
But which other guest stars will be popping up alongside the core cast? And where have you seen them before?
Don Warrington plays Commissioner Selwyn Patterson
Who is Commissioner Selwyn Patterson? Selwyn Patterson, who has been an integral part of Death in Paradise from day one, oversees the running of the island’s police department with his cool, calm and collected approach.
What else has Don Warrington been in? Don Warrington is an MBE who has appeared in countless productions, both on the stage and the screen. One of his most prominent roles is that of Philip in Rising Damp, and he also appeared in Doctor Who‘s Rise of the Cybermen back in 2006. In 2008, he took part in Strictly Come Dancing, in which he was partnered with Lilia Kopylova. Warrington left the competition in week five.
Ralf Little plays DI Neville Parker
Who is DI Neville Parker? Neville Parker is Saint Marie’s resident detective inspector, following on from Richard Poole (Ben Miller), Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) and Jack Mooney (Ardal O’Hanlon).
What else has Ralf Little been in? Ralf Little’s CV includes plenty of screen favourites, including 24 Hour Party People, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and The Royle Family.
Shantol Jackson plays DS Naomi Thomas
BBCBBC
Who is Naomi Thomas? After the departure of DS Florence Cassell earlier this year in season 11, the role was soon filled by Thomas, who stepped up from an officer role to Detective Sergeant.
What else has Shantol Jackson been in? Helmed as one of Jamaica’s rising actors, Jackson has featured in a variety of stage, film and TV projects both in Jamaica and internationally. She has starred in Idris Elba‘s Yardie, Sprinter and Sugar.
Tahj Miles plays Officer Marlon Pryce
BBC / Red Planet / Denis Guyenon
Who is Marlon Pryce? Marlon Pryce’s Death in Paradise journey has been an eventful one. When he first arrived in season 10, he was a petty criminal who spent his days scamming tourists. But he’s seemingly turned his life around, being most recently promoted from trainee officer to officer with the local police.
What else has Tahj Miles been in? The most notable title on Tahj Miles’s CV is Mangrove, the first film in Steve McQueen’s anthology series Small Axe, which centres on London’s West Indian community during the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s.
Élizabeth Bourgine plays Mayor Catherine Bordey
Who is Catherine Bordey? Catherine Bordey is the island’s mayor and she also owns her own beachfront bar. She is always on hand to pour a drink and offer her punters some first-rate advice.
What else has Élizabeth Bourgine been in? Élizabeth Bourgiune is French and has appeared in several shows and movies native to her home country, such as Private Lessons (Cours privé), A Heart in Winter (Un cœur en hiver), and My Best Friend (Mon meilleur ami).
Ginny Holder plays Darlene Curtis
BBC
Who is Darlene Curtis? Darlene first appeared in season 7 as a love interest for fan-favourite officer Dwayne Myers (Danny John-Jules) but this time round, romantic sparks could be starting between herself and Selwyn. Curtis joined the team as a new recruit in season 11. She may be working in the police station as office admin, but her eye for crime and detail means she’s quickly becoming an invaluable addition.
What else has Ginny Holder been in? Holder is best known for her role in Holby City, but has also starred in Doctors, DCI Banks, The Capture and Ragdoll.
Guest stars
Les Dennis plays Danny Sheridan
Red Planet Pictures/BBC
Who is Danny Sheridan? A psychic who lives on Saint Marie. He has some information on the case that Neville is tasked with solving.
Where have I seen Les Dennis before? Alongside his comedy and presenting, Les Dennis is best known for Coronation Street.
Chelsea Edge plays Sophie Chambers
Red Planet Pictures, BBC
Who is Sophie Chambers? She’s holidaying on Saint Marie over the festive period. And upon first meeting each other, Sophie has an awkward first encounter with Neville.
Where have I seen Chelsea Edge before? She has appeared in I Hate Suzie, Suspicion and The Missing.
Hakeem Kae-Kazim plays Marvin Peters
Red Planet Pictures, BBC
Who is Marvin Peters? His twin brother Linus disappeared when they were 9 years old. It was believed that he had drowned in a nearby swamp. The role of Young Marvin is also played by Riotafari Gardner.
Where have I seen Hakeem Kae-Kazim before? He has appeared in Hotel Rwanda, Troy:Fall of a City, Black Sails, Dynasty and 24.
Siobhán McSweeney plays Jennifer Langan
Red Planet Pictures, BBC
Who is Jennifer Langan? A crime novelist who is working on a true crime podcast. She is murdered while looking into the case of a missing child.
Where have I seen Siobhán McSweeney before? She’s best known for Derry Girls and Graham Norton’s Holding.
Jo Martin plays Rakesha Lorde
BBC
Who is Rakesha Lorde? Lorde is Martin’s friend and AA sponsor.
Where have I seen Jo Martin before? You’ll recognise her from Doctor Who, Holby City and Back to Life, among others.
Joseph Mydell plays Rodell Weekes
BBC
Who is Rodell Weekes? A local man who is questioned by the police.
Where have I seen Joseph Mydell before? His career has spanned both stage and screen, working with the Royal Shakespeare Company and The Royal National Theatre.
Kiera Lester plays Alicia McCoy
BBC
Who is Alicia McCoy? A journalist and TV presenter, who appears in the Christmas episode.
Where have I seen Kiera Lester before? Her credits include BBC psychological drama Chloe.
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