Death in Paradise viewers quickly identified the actress behind drug lord Miranda Priestly in the two-part special that aired on Sunday, June 28, 2026, on BBC One.
In the episode, DS Florence Cassell (Josephine Jobert) goes undercover as a nanny for Miranda Priestly, a formidable drug lord. Florence's mission was to infiltrate Miranda's narcotics network, but audiences were distracted by the familiar face playing the villain.
Who is Victoria Ekanoye?
Victoria Ekanoye, 44, plays Miranda Priestly in the two-part special, which originally aired three years ago. Before her guest role on Death in Paradise, Ekanoye spent two years on ITV's Coronation Street as Angie Appleton.
Internationally, she is best known for playing Rachel, the confidante and aide to Elizabeth Hurley's Queen Helena in The Royals. Other television credits include Girl Taken, The Turkish Detective, Doctors, and The Worst Witch.
From Stage to Screen
Ekanoye began her career in musical theatre, performing in the West End production of The Lion King as Queen Sarabi and Nala. She also ventured into music, competing in the 2019 series of The X Factor: Celebrity in the "Over 31s" category under judge Nicole Scherzinger, finishing in 11th place.
Upcoming Projects
Ekanoye has several projects in development, including the BBC drama The Split Up, a spin-off of the acclaimed legal series The Split. She is also set to appear in the romantic drama As Bad as Me and An English Christmas Wish, expected later this year.
Death in Paradise is available on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
