Devotees of the hit BBC series Death in Paradise are celebrating after the show strongly hinted at the permanent return of a cherished character, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson.
An Emotional Departure and a Surprise Comeback
Fans were left heartbroken when the esteemed Commissioner, portrayed by veteran actor Don Warrington, made an emotional exit at the conclusion of series 14. His departure from the sun-soaked island of Saint Marie came after he was replaced in his role, leading him to turn down an offer to reclaim his position and instead travel to the UK to visit his daughter.
However, in a delightful twist for viewers, Selwyn Patterson subsequently appeared in both the Death in Paradise and its spin-off Beyond Paradise Christmas specials. These festive episodes saw him reunite with former detective Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) and his partner Martha Lloyd (Sally Bretton).
The Social Media Hint That Sparked Fan Frenzy
The clearest indication of a full-time comeback arrived via the show's official Instagram account on 1st January 2026. Sharing a clip featuring the Commissioner, the caption teased: "So that's something to look forward to in the new year!"
This followed a pivotal moment in the Beyond Paradise special, where Selwyn was seen calling the Chief Commissioner to inquire about the status of his old job. According to a report by the Express, he asked: "I have been doing some thinking, and I wondered if there was any chance of my returning to the role if it's still vacant."
Overwhelming Fan Reaction to the News
The prospect of Commissioner Patterson's return has been met with an avalanche of positive responses from the show's loyal audience. Fans swiftly flooded the comments section of the Instagram post to share their joy.
Former Death in Paradise star Josephine Jobert, who played Florence Cassell, added her voice, writing: "He will always be the one and only!"
The fan reaction highlights the character's enduring popularity:
- One enthusiast declared: "Love the Commissioner!! He can NEVER leave the Show."
- Another cheered: "Yes, Selwyn! Get back to Saint Marie and claim your spot!"
- A third fan expressed: "I'm sooooooo glad he's coming back."
While the BBC has yet to make an official statement, the social media hint and narrative setup strongly suggest that Don Warrington will be back in his iconic role, much to the relief and excitement of viewers who found his departure a step too far for Saint Marie.
Death in Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
