Death in Paradise fans are complaining that popular character is “missing” from the latest series

Set on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie, Death in Paradise has aired 13 series on BBC One, with its 14th run of episodes due to start later this month.

The series has become known for its habit of changing its main character, with Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O’Hanlon and Ralf Little previously fronting the show. In December, Don Gilet made his debut as the series’ latest lead, Detective Mervin Wilson.

The Christmas special also featured the return of Danny John Jules, who previously played the role of Dwayne Myers.

But fans discovered that Jules is not mentioned in any of the advance materials for the new series.

In the Christmas special, Dwayne had announced that he was turning in his police badge to spend more time with his elderly father, Nelson (Ram John Holder).

“I want to turn in my badge,” the character said. “I just realized there are more important things to do in my life right now.”

Dwayne appeared in the first seven seasons of Death in Paradiseand later joined the series in the 2021 Christmas special.

“Where’s Dwayne?” wrote a fan on Instagram after the cast for the new series was announced.

“I think I’m a season behind, but he’s one of my favorites and can never retire!” someone else wrote.

However, the new series will feature the return of a popular character who previously left the series – JP Hooper, played by Tobi Bakare.

Watch Apple TV+ for free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/month after free trial period. Schedule automatic renewal until cancellation

Try for free

Watch Apple TV+ for free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/month after free trial period. Schedule automatic renewal until cancellation

Try for free

In a three star review of Death in Paradise‘s latest Christmas special, critic Ed Power wrote: “There are moments when this singular Christmas threatens to lose its footing and topple over like Santa slipping on a dodgy roof tile. The good news is that Gilet is a great addition to the series .His phlegmatic, quirky persona goes back to OG Death in Paradise policeman abroad, Richard Poole (the harrumphing Ben Miller).

“Poole was forever complaining about life on a glorious tropical island. DI Wilson has some of the same Columbo-esque energy, complaining early on that visiting Saint Marie is ‘like stepping back in time’. But there is deep sadness beneath the grim exterior, and it is revealed that he came to the island hoping to connect with the mother he never knew.”

Death in Paradise returns to BBC One on January 31. Previous episodes can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.