Naomi Thomas — our guide to the 'Death in Paradise' character

By David Hollingsworth
published

Shantol Jackson stars as ambitious new sergeant Naomi Thomas in the latest series of the hit show.

Shantol Jackson as Death in Paradise new sergeant, Naomi Thomas.
Shantol Jackson as new Death in Paradise sergeant Naomi Thomas. (Image credit: BBC/Red Planet)

Naomi Thomas is a new character in Death in Paradise. She is an ambitious young sergeant who's seen for the first time in Death in Paradise Series 11. 

Naomi is described as a "gifted officer who has arrived from a neighbouring island to join the Saint Marie Police". But the BBC teases that coming from a smaller police force means her lack of experience might cause issues.

Here's everything we know so far about Naomi Thomas...

Who plays Naomi Thomas in Death in Paradise?

Naomi Thomas is played by Shantol Jackson. Talking about winning the part, Shantol says: “I'm so grateful for this amazing opportunity to join the cast of this fun-filled, entertaining series. I used to watch Death in Paradise with my dad in Jamaica years ago when it just started and to now be in the show, knowing that he'll be watching me, it's truly a surreal moment. Looking forward to adding to the magic!"

Executive producer, Tim Key adds: "She’s an amazing addition to the team and we can’t wait for the audience to meet Naomi."

How will Naomi get on with Neville?

Naomi Thomas (SHANTOL JACKSON)

(Image credit: BBC / Red Planet / Denis Guyenon)

So far very well. Detective Inspector Neville Parker (Ralf Little) is generally caring and is happy to help Naomi fit in with the team. But it does now mean Neville has two very inexperienced members on his team following the departure of JP in the tenth series. Neville also has young Officer Marlon Pryce to keep an eye on and Marlon had plenty of problems in his first series!

Will Naomi and Marlon get on? Might there even be a romance between the pair? Or will they see each other as rivals? 

So far Naomi has quickly made it clear to Marlon that she is his superior. However, she's also revealed she lacks experience in big cases.

Naomi looks up to D.S. Florence Cassell (Jospehine Jobert), who is the only other senior member of the team alongside Neville.

What else has Shantol Jackson been in?


Shantol is a relative newcomer, but she has enjoyed some other parts before landing Death in Paradise. She starred in the 2018 film Sprinter, which also featured real life sprinting superstar Usain Bolt. Plus Shantol appeared in the Idris Elba directed crime film Yardie (2018). Shantol also featured in the 2016 short film Sugar. 

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  3. Death in Paradise Season 3 refresher
  4. Death in Paradise Season 4 refresher
  5. Death in Paradise Season 10 refresher
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  7. Where is Death in Paradise filmed?
David Hollingsworth
David Hollingsworth
Editor

David is the What To Watch Editor and has over 20 years of experience in television journalism. He is currently writing about the latest television and film news for What To Watch.


Before working for What To Watch, David spent many years working for TV Times magazine, interviewing some of television's most famous stars including Hollywood actor Kiefer Sutherland, singer Lionel Richie and wildlife legend Sir David Attenborough. 


David started out as a writer for TV Times before becoming the title's deputy features editor and then features editor. During his time on TV Times, David also helped run the annual TV Times Awards. David is a huge Death in Paradise fan, although he's still failed to solve a case before the show's detective! He also loves James Bond and controversially thinks that Timothy Dalton was an excellent 007.


Other than watching and writing about telly, David loves playing cricket, going to the cinema, trying to improve his tennis and chasing about after his kids!