Cliff Notes – Death in Paradise viewers crushed after major character’s shock exit in finale
- The series 14 finale of Death in Paradise featured an emotional farewell as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson announced his departure from the Saint Marie police force, leaving fans in disbelief.
- DI Mervin Wilson, played by Don Gilet, resolved the mystery surrounding his mother’s death and decided to stay on the island after discovering he has a brother nearby, setting the stage for series 15.
Death in Paradise viewers crushed after major character’s shock exit in finale
The series 14 finale of Death in Paradise included an emotional goodbye for one character (Picture: BBC/Red Planet Pictures/Lou Denim)
Death in Paradise viewers are in mourning after the fate of one beloved character was sealed in the series finale.
Tonight, series 14 of the hit BBC show came to a dramatic conclusion as DI Mervin Wilson solved another case.
The detective, played by Don Gilet, replaced Ralf Little’s DI Neville Parker when he left at the end of series 13.
Upon arriving in Saint Marie in the 2024 Christmas special, the cop was thrown in at the deep end by his mum’s mysterious death. The tragedy was initially ruled an accident before it was confirmed as a grisly murder.
In the final episode, Wilson’s questions were finally answered, and he learned the truth about what happened to Donna Bray.
He later decided to jet back home to London, having said his proper goodbyes to his beloved mother. However, discovering he had a brother nearby was seemingly enough to make him want to stick around, teasing viewers with where series 15 might begin.
Commissioner Selwyn’s position within the police is no more (Picture: BBC/Red Planet Pictures/Philippe Virapin)
Alas, there were still goodbyes to be said, as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson’s position within the police of Saint Marie is no more.
In the last episode, Selwyn, played by Don Warrington, had no choice but to inform his team of his looming departure.
‘I’ve been keeping something from you, which, on the advice of my trusted friend, I have decided to share with you all,’ he said.
‘The position of Saint Marie police commissioner is being phased out. I’m being phased out.’
His emotional announcement caught fans by surprise, as audiences at home were left to wonder whether Warrington would be leaving the programme for good.
‘What? No. Selwyn you have to stay!’, pleaded X user @StillNotWitty.
Don Warrington’s character shared a tender moment with Catherine Bordey (Élizabeth Bourgine) before he left (Picture: BBC/Red Planet Pictures/Philippe Virapin)
‘Goodbye Selwyn, you’ll be missed! Thank you for everything’, wrote @lucy_13xxx.
‘There’s no #DeathinParadise without Selwyn’, declared @DebbieBlackma14.
‘I can’t believe we’re losing Selwyn! Just won’t be the same without him’, echoed @ifeelflames.
Selwyn has been a recurring character and familiar face for viewers since Death in Paradise began in 2011. In this time, he’s appeared alongside five detectives.
The scenes in which he seemingly confirmed his exit were understated and a stark contrast to the raucous leaving parties, tearful speeches, and even deaths we’ve seen with previous characters.
In fact, he only shared a real tender moment with Catherine Bordey (Élizabeth Bourgine). This makes her the sole original character left standing, as she made her debut in series 1.
Viewers declared Death in Paradise ‘won’t be the same’ without Selwyn (Picture: BBC/Red Planet Pictures/Philippe Virapin)
‘So, you will go and see Andrina. And after that?’, Catherine asked him.
Selwyn replied: ‘Who knows? Promise me you will look after yourself and them.’
She told him: ‘Promise me, this isn’t farewell but au revoir.’
‘Au revoir then, my friend,’ he said back, kissing Catherine on the cheek and getting into a cab.
But, of course, in true Death in Paradise style, no exit comes without a little extra something, and it seems the writers didn’t want Selwyn to go without allowing him to drop one last bombshell.
Before his waiting taxi drove off into the sunset, Selwyn made a final trip to DI Wilson, revealing that the mysterious mourner who had been leaving flowers at his mother’s grave was, in fact, his sibling.
DI Mervin Wilson actor Don Gilet has confirmed filming for series 15 will begin next month (Picture: BBC/Red Planet Pictures/Lou Denim)
This prompted Wilson to change all his plans and remain on the island to solve the next family mystery.
So while Selwyn won’t be part of the next series, his last moments still made an impact.
Filming for series 15 is due to begin in April. While a release date is yet to be confirmed, it’s likely the show will continue with its current schedule.
This means there’ll be a 2025 festive episode followed by a new series in 2026.
Catch up with Death in Paradise on BBC iPlayer.