Death in Paradise Welcomes The Crown Star in Exclusive BBC Preview
In an exclusive first look obtained by the Mirror, the BBC's beloved crime drama Death in Paradise is set to feature a star from The Crown in Friday's highly anticipated episode. The show, which launched its fifteenth series earlier this year, continues to captivate audiences with its tropical mysteries and guest appearances.
A Deadly Theatre Performance on Saint Marie
Episode five of series fifteen introduces a touring theatre company performing Shakespeare's The Tempest on one of Saint Marie's pristine beaches. During a raucous drinking scene, one of the lead actors collapses and dies after consuming red wine. Forensic tests later reveal the wine contained a lethal dose of cyanide, sparking a perplexing investigation.
In a confusing twist, two other actors drank from the same bottle both before and after the victim, yet emerged completely unharmed. This baffling development leaves detectives scrambling to determine how only one person could have perished from the poisoned beverage.
DI Mervin Wilson Faces Personal and Professional Challenges
To solve this intricate case, DI Mervin Wilson, portrayed by Don Gilet, and his team must navigate the grand egos of what they describe as a motley group of thespians. Meanwhile, Sergeant Mattie Fletcher, played by Catherine Garton, finds herself troubled when one of the cast members pursues a very personal vendetta against her.
Adding to the drama, Mervin receives distressing news that his half-brother, Solomon, is set to inherit everything from their deceased mother and plans to sell it off promptly. Desperate to hold onto a memento of her, Mervin faces a race against time as Solomon ignores his calls, potentially forcing him to take unexpected measures to reach his brother.
Ben Lloyd-Hughes Brings The Crown Pedigree to the Island
The exclusive preview clip features actor Ben Lloyd-Hughes, best known for playing Mark Bolland in The Crown, as theatre member Jez Gorman. Lloyd-Hughes, whose other credits include Sanditon and Me Before You, portrays Jez as he persistently pursues Sergeant Mattie Fletcher after work.
In the clip, Jez offers Mattie a drink, saying, I thought I could help you wind down after a hard day's policing the streets. I've got some beers, a picnic blanket, and thought we could find a quiet beach... get to know each other! Mattie initially appears to accept, sitting down and taking a bottle of beer.
A Hilarious Twist in the Tropical Mystery
However, in a comedic turn of events, Mattie soon pours the beer over Jez and delivers a sharp rebuke. She exclaims, Actually, now that I think about it... I did say that I was going to meet my friend... what's the time? After dousing him, she adds, Oh, what a shame! I do have somewhere to be right now though... do not bother me again unless it's related to the case, Mr Gorman, you understand? Good, enjoy the rest of your evening!
This light-hearted moment contrasts with the darker themes of the episode, showcasing the series' blend of humour and suspense. The inclusion of a The Crown star adds prestige to the guest cast, likely drawing in viewers from both fan bases.
Broadcast Details and Series Context
Death in Paradise airs on Fridays at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, maintaining its prime-time slot for crime drama enthusiasts. The series has been praised for its engaging plots and scenic Caribbean backdrop, with this episode promising to deliver both mystery and character-driven drama.
A Death in Paradise star has expressed delight at returning to their beloved role on the BBC crime series, describing it as wonderful. This sentiment reflects the show's enduring appeal and the commitment of its cast to delivering quality entertainment.
As the investigation unfolds, audiences can expect twists, red herrings, and the signature charm that has made Death in Paradise a staple of British television. With a deadly poisoning, personal vendettas, and family conflicts, episode five is poised to be a standout in the fifteenth series.
