Death in Paradise – everything we know about the new series as Neville hopes to leave Saint Marie

Death in Paradise 2020
(Image credit: BBC/Red Planet/Denis Guyenon)

Can Neville ever escape the island?!

Death in Paradise 2020 continues this Thursday at 9pm with Detective Inspector Neville Parker (Ralf Little) hoping to finally escape Saint Marie.

Neville is desperate to get home - and the Commissioner is also desperate for Neville to get home!

But first Neville must solve another murder...

So, when is Death in Paradise 2020 on BBC1?

Death in Paradise series nine Ardal as DI Jack Mooney

DI Jack Mooney (Ardal O'Hanlon) has now departed

Death in Paradise series nine is being shown on Thursdays on BBC1

When did Ardal O’Hanlon depart Death in Paradise as Jack?

Ardal left as Jack in episode four. It looked like he was going to go with new love Anna. But in the end he decided it was simply time to go home.

Who was Jack's love interest in the new series of Death in Paradise?

Nina Wadia as Anna in Death in Paradise

Nina Wadia as Anna in Death in Paradise (Image credit: BBC/Red Planet/Denis Guyenon)

Jack's love interest was tourist Anna. Former EastEnders star Nina Wadia, who played Anna, described their relationship as being "clumsy and awkward".

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So, why does Ralf Little’s character, Detective Inspector Neville Parker, come to Saint Marie?

Death in Paradise 2020 Ralf Little as DI Neville Parker

Neville is billed as a 'fish out of water' (Image credit: BBC/Red Planet)

DI Parker is sent to Saint Marie, rather reluctantly, when a woman from his hometown of Manchester is found dead in episode five. However Ralf seems much happier about having lots of time in the sun. “It took less than 0.005 seconds to say, 'Yes' to playing the new DI. How could I not? Ardal has been wonderful in the last few series and to follow in his footsteps in a place as idyllic as Guadeloupe was a great honour and a dream come true. It’s a joy to play Neville and I can’t wait for viewers to see him in this series of Death in Paradise.”

In what episode does Ralf Little first appear as Detective Inspector Neville Parker in series nine of Death in Paradise?

Ralf Little in Death in Paradise

Ralf Little's Death in Paradise reign has begun (Image credit: BBC/Red Planet/Philip Volkers)

Ralf Little turned up for the first time in episode five.

Why did Ardal O’Hanlon decide to leave Death in Paradise?

“It’s time to move on and explore other opportunities – preferably nearer the Arctic Circle,” jokes Ardal. “I’ve spent four summers in Guadeloupe playing DI Jack Mooney, solving over 20 murder cases!

“It’s been a hugely rewarding experience, working with talented actors, directors and crew while discovering a magical part of the world.

“I’m confident Death in Paradise will go from strength to strength and viewers will share my enthusiasm for Jack’s successor.”

What happens in episode one of series nine of Death in Paradise?

Ade Edmondson in Death in Paradise 2020 episode one

EastEnders star Ade Edmondson guest in the first episode (Image credit: BBC/Red Planet/Denis Guyenon)

Jack must crack who the killer in a devil mask is who stabs to death holidaymaker Vanessa (Amanda Hale) on New Year’s Eve. Suspects include her husband Aaron (Elliot Cowan), his assistant Tabatha (Nell Hudson), witness Charles (Ade Edmondson) and Aaron’s brother Donald (Samuel West).

What happens in episode two of the new series of Death in Paradise 2020?

Sherlock actress Louise Brealey as murder victim Donna in episode two

Sherlock actress Louise Brealey as murder victim Donna in episode two (Image credit: BBC/Red Planet/Denis Guyenon)

Jack and his team must attempt to figure out how artist Donna (Sherlock's Louise Brealey) was fatally poisoned while working alone in her studio. Among the suspects is Donna's art-dealer mate Patti (Barbara Flynn), her model boyfriend Max (Versailles' Alexander Vlahos), gallery owner Sandrine (Vivienne Acheampong), wannabe artist Anthony (Caleb Frederick) and art buyer Terry (Matt King). Plus Jack goes on his first date with Anna...

What happens in episode three of the new series of Death in Paradise 2020?

Jack and Anna in episode three of Death in Paradise

Jack and Anna are getting closer, but now she's about to leave the island... (Image credit: BBC/Red Planet/Denis Guyenon)

Jack faces a big decision as Anna is about to leave and he realises he doesn’t want to say goodbye to her. Could Jack be about to follow Anna on her travels? Meanwhile, Jack is investigating the strange case of a murdered cyclist. What Jack can’t work out is whether or not his death is connected to the odd contents of his safe - one pair of socks and a bottle of pills?

What happens in episode four of the new series of Death in Paradise 2020? Jack's final ever episode!

Death in Paradise series nine Jack with his daughter Siobhan

Jack's daughter Siobhan returns (Image credit: BBC/Red Planet/Denis Guyenon)

It's Jack's final case before he leaves Saint Marie and DI Neville Park (Ralf Little) takes over. So, is Jack leaving with new love Anna? Or is the arrival of his daughter why he's heading off? Meanwhile, Jack must first crack the mysterious murder of a local pastor's son. Among the suspects Jack must sift through are the dead man's wife and friends.

What happens in episode five?

Following Jack's deaprture, DI Neville Parker arrives on the island - but he doesn't want to hang about for long! Neville is there to simply confirm that the death of a British citizen was suicide after she was found in the bath with a hairdryer. But Neville soon suspects she was murdered...

What happens in episode six of Death in Paradise 2020?

Is DI Parker taking this case seriously?

Is DI Parker taking this case seriously? (Image credit: BBC/Red Planet/Denis Guyenon)

DI Neville Parker hasn’t exactly been enjoying himself so far and he’s certainly got off to a very bad start with the Commissioner. Still, he has a chance to prove himself as a killer is on the loose at a survival course. Neville must crack who murdered ex-SAS officer Will “Wolfie” Arnott by plunging a homemade fishing spear into him. Ouch!

What happens in episode seven?

Neville thinks that Harry is causing his rash and decides to set him free. Surely he knows Harry is an original cast member and he can't do that?! Meanwhile, Ellen Thomas (Casualty, EastEnders) guest stars as Georgina, one of the murder suspects when her sister is stabbed while getting her hair done! And Ruby lands herself in big trouble...

What happens in episode eight?

 

Neville appears on the verge of leaving as he has his final doctor's appointment and he's expected to get the all clear. The Commissioner is certainly hoping Neville will be on the next plane off Saint Marie. Meanwhile, Neville has a fresh murder case when Robert (Peter De Jersey) is shot dead. His blind wife is among the suspects...

Who’s guest starring in Death in Paradise 2020?

A string of top names appear in the new series including Ade Edmondson and Samuel West in episode one. Steve Pemberton (episode five), Nina Wadia, Louise Brealey (episode two) and Samantha Bond (episode five) are some of the other stars appearing.

Is fan favourite Don Warrington back as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson?!

Death in Paradise star Don Warrington as the Commissioner

The Commissioner will once again be making sure the team stay on track as they investigate more murders (Image credit: BBC/Red Planet Pictures/Denis Gu)

Yes! Everyone loves the Commissioner and it will be great to see what kind of relationship he builds with Ralf Little’s cop. The Commissioner loves gently mocking his top man! Also back for the new run are Tobi Bakare as Officer JP Hooper, Shyko Amos as Officer Ruby Patterson, Elizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey and new series regular Aude Legastelois as DS Madeline Dumas.

MORE: Nina Wadia reveals she's 'slightly fallen in love' with The Commissioner!

Will Danny John-Jules be in Death in Paradise 2020 as Officer Dwayne Myers?

Danny John-Jules has left Death in Paradise as Officer Dwayne Myers

Danny was much loved as Dwayne (Image credit: BBC/Red Planet Pictures/Denis Gu)

Not that we know of. However, Dwayne hasn’t been killed off, so you never know, he could return one day to the show…

Where is Death in Paradise filmed?

Guadeloupe in the Caribbean doubles for the fictional island of Saint Marie. “Guadeloupe is magical. I’m going to miss it,” says Ardal.

Will there be a tenth series of Death in Paradise in 2021?

Yes! The BBC has already ordered series 10, which will go out in 2021.

Death in Paradise continues on Thursdays on BBC1.

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!