Commissioner Selwyn Patterson has been told that his job in the Saint Marie police force is being dissolved, leading fans to believe that the star is leaving the show altogether

Fans of Death in Paradise are far from pleased with the show’s latest twist after learning a hugely popular character could be heading for the exit door.

Commissioner Selwyn Patterson’s Saint Marie days appear to be over and viewers were left devastated during the latest episode of the hit BBC show after discovering the news. Actor Don Warrington is seemingly on his way out – and the news hasn’t gone down well with those on social media.

Sparking concern at the start, the Commissioner left audiences puzzled with his icy demeanour towards some workmates. The puzzle pieces fell into place towards the climax of the episode when Selwyn bared the truth about his future to his colleagues.

While the producers of Death in Paradise have yet to officially comment on the future of Selwyn at Saint Marie, the man himself had plenty to say about it. The long-serving favourite, who has been on our screens for almost 15 years, feels the role is being ‘phased out’.

Don Warrington has been on screens since 2011 ( 
Image:
BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Philippe Virapin)

He said: “I’ve been keeping something from you which on the advice of my trusted friend, I have decided to share with you all. The position of Saint Marie police commissioner is being phased out. I’m being phased out.” Fans were quick to voice their annoyance over Selwyn’s departure online, taking to X to express their feelings.

“Why….. Death In Paradise’s massive bombshell could completely change the show Is Commissioner Selwyn leaving the show? If they remove the Excellent role of #CommissionerSelwyn, #DeathInParadise will no longer be a show worth watching. It will be Trash,” one fumed.

Another penned: “Not sure #deathinparadise will survive without Selwyn. They can’t just get rid of Selwyn as the commissioner in Death In Paradise what will he do now #DeathInParadise.” A third put: “Don’t write Selwyn out show wouldn’t be the same without Commissioner Patterson #saveSelwyn #DeathInParadise.’; ‘We are not letting Selwyn go #SaveSelwyn #DeathInParadise.”

Actor Danny John-Jules, famed for his role as Officer Dwayne Myers and last seen in the 2024 Christmas special, is being touted for a return and could fill Selwyn’s shoes. Don Warrington has been a staple of the Death In Paradise cast since the series’ inception in 2011.

The bookies have been talking up replacements and Mike Reading, spokesperson at Betway, said: “The latest season of Death in Paradise has already hinted at a major departure – with Don Warrington’s character, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, potentially exiting. As one of the longest-serving characters, the Commissioner has been at the heart of the series and Saint Marie’s police force since the very beginning.

“While this isn’t the first time an exit has been teased for Warrington – after the 100th episode saw his character considering retirement following a near-death experience – this most recent development may see the Commissioner role change or be ‘dissolved’ for good, paving the way for a drastic shakeup to the show’s long-standing format.”

Death in Paradise airs Fridays at 9pm on BBC One