Death in Paradise Star Don Warrington Addresses Commissioner's Surprising Exit and Return
Don Warrington, the esteemed actor portraying Commissioner Selwyn Patterson in the beloved BBC series Death in Paradise, has provided a candid explanation for his character's dramatic and seemingly final exit from the show. This departure, which aired at the conclusion of the previous season, sparked significant uproar and sadness among the show's dedicated fanbase, who were left mourning the loss of the iconic figure from the fictional island of Saint Marie.
Fan Outcry and Cast Emotions Following the Apparent Farewell
The emotional impact of Commissioner Patterson's exit was profound, not only for viewers but also within the cast itself. Co-stars Don Gilet and Shantol Jackson openly admitted that Warrington's departure created an "emotional hole" among the ensemble, highlighting the deep bonds formed on set. In what appeared to be his final scenes, Selwyn delivered poignant moments, urging Mervin, played by Don Gilet, to reconnect with his brother and sharing a heartfelt goodbye with Catherine Bordey, portrayed by Elizabeth Bourgine.
However, hope was swiftly restored when Warrington made a surprise reappearance in the Beyond Paradise Christmas special, teasing a potential comeback. With his return to Saint Marie now confirmed in the latest series, the actor has advised fans to "assume nothing" regarding the future trajectory of his character, suggesting that more twists and turns may lie ahead.
Warrington Dismisses Marketing Ploy Theories, Emphasises Storyline Integrity
In a recent interview, Warrington firmly dismissed any speculation that the exit storyline was a calculated marketing strategy designed to inject new life into the long-running drama. "That was just the storyline," he explained to The i Newspaper. "The producers thought it would be interesting to have Selwyn reach some kind of crisis and then, after dealing with it, return. There was no Machiavellian intent - but it was certainly very nice to know my character had penetrated people’s consciousness to that extent."
The narrative saw Selwyn deciding to leave the island after losing his job and being replaced. Although he was later offered his position back, he chose instead to return to the United Kingdom to visit his daughter, adding a layer of personal depth to his departure. Warrington confessed that he had not anticipated the intense reaction from fans, telling Radio Times: "Well, it came as a shock to me, I have to say. I thought it would just pass by under the radar and we’d carry on. But apparently there has been an outcry. It’s flattering, and I would be dishonest if I said it wasn’t."
Commissioner Patterson's Future: A Renewed Character with Fresh Challenges
When questioned about whether the new series might offer Selwyn a more tranquil chapter, Warrington suggested otherwise, stating: "I wouldn’t think so at all. He can’t settle - that’s the nature of Selwyn." Instead, he believes viewers will witness the commissioner as "a new man" following a period of personal turbulence. "He’s come back with renewed energy, and he’s going to deal with the island in a slightly different way," he added, hinting at evolved dynamics and potential conflicts in upcoming episodes.
New Additions to the Cast and Continued Excitement for Season 15
The latest series also introduces a fresh face to the Saint Marie police force, with Catherine Gorton joining as Sergeant Mattie Fletcher. The actress has described her character as "tenacious" and "sassy", while also noting that she is "really fun to play." Gorton has teased that audiences can "expect some action" in the fifteenth season, promising thrilling developments alongside the commissioner's return.
Death in Paradise continues to captivate audiences, with new episodes airing regularly. Fans can tune in to follow the unfolding stories on BBC One, as the drama maintains its blend of mystery, character depth, and tropical intrigue.
