Death in Paradise enthusiasts have voiced their calls for another spin-off series, this time centring on DI Selwyn. The cherished BBC crime drama has broadcast since 2011, featuring Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O’Hanlon, Ralf Little and now Don Gilet in the principal role.
After its triumph, Beyond Paradise commenced broadcasting in 2023, with Kris reprising his role as DI Humphrey Goodman. A second spin-off, Return to Paradise, featured a female detective in the lead for the first time, premiering in 2024. Enthusiasts are now calling for a series focusing on Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, portrayed by Don Warrington.
Posting on Reddit, one viewer penned: “I wonder what the communities thoughts are and whether there would ever be enough interest for the BBC to commission a show portraying Selwyn’s days as the DI.”
One viewer responded: “I’d be happy to see one tbh! Modern Selwyn narrating his memoirs of his more interesting cases.”
View 4 ImagesDeath in Paradise fans are issuing the same demand(Image: BBC)
Another speculated: “He’s been commissioner for 50 years, each season can be set in that particular decade,” reports the Express.
Someone else suggested: “I think a whole episode dedicated to an old Selwyn case would be great. Same style with him revealing the killer at the end. Would also be great if it tied to a case in the current time that gets explored in the next episode.”
Another penned: “I’ve seen this idea mentioned a few times, and I really do think it has legs! It would require a good amount of historic research to be period-accurate, though. I also don’t think Selwyn would be the typical DiP “Aha, I’ve solved the case from this trivial detail!” type of detective, so the style would need to be a bit of a departure from DiP and other in-universe shows in order for it to feel believable. BUT it could be incredible if done well!”
View 4 ImagesDeath in Paradise is returning for at least two more seasons(Image: BBC)
Another called the suggestion a “great watch”, while someone else said: “Young Selwyn series. I’d definitely watch it. Or even just a Xmas special,” as another fan echoed: “I would love this! Seems like an open goal to me.”
Don had appeared to depart Death in Paradise last year, with an emotional season 14 finale appearing to be Selwyn’s farewell, only to make an unexpected return, leaving fans delighted.
He later urged viewers to “assume nothing” about his character’s future on the show, telling the i Newspaper: “That was just the storyline, nothing more.”
He continued: “The producers thought it would be interesting to have Selwyn reach some kind of crisis and then, after dealing with it, return.
“There was no Machiavellian intent. But it was certainly very nice to know my character had penetrated people’s consciousness to that extent, and that they liked him.”
View 4 ImagesDon Warrington plays Commissioner Selwyn Patterson(Image: BBC)
The demand for another spin-off comes after the BBC confirmed Death in Paradise has been recommissioned for another two series.
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: “Death in Paradise is a global phenomenon and we are incredibly proud to have it on the BBC, where it goes from strength to strength. It’s with great pleasure that we share the news that we’ll be returning to Saint Marie for two more sun-soaked series and Christmas specials.”
Tim Key, Executive Producer, Red Planet Pictures commented: “We remain incredibly proud of the show and the team that makes it, and delighted that the audience continue to love it as much as we do.
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“The response to our latest series has been wonderful and we can’t wait to get started again – we’ve got something very special lined up to kick off our 16th season, with a big surprise setting it up in our Christmas special. Watch this space…”
Death in Paradise is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.