Death in Paradise Finale Delayed Due to Comic Relief as Series 14 Grapples with Commissioner Selwyn’s Departure
London, December 31, 2025 – Fans of BBC One’s long-running crime drama Death in Paradise faced disappointment as the highly anticipated Series 14 finale did not air in its usual Friday evening slot, making way for the annual Comic Relief fundraising extravaganza on March 21, 2025.
The season’s concluding episode, originally scheduled for that night, was postponed to Friday, March 28, 2025, at 9pm on BBC One, allowing the channel to broadcast Red Nose Day live from 7pm. Comic Relief 2025 celebrated its 40th anniversary with a star-studded lineup, raising significant funds for charity while featuring sketches, performances, and special crossovers.
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Viewers still received a taste of the Death in Paradise universe during Comic Relief, courtesy of spin-off Beyond Paradise. A hilarious crossover sketch titled “Not Going Beyond Paradise” united the worlds of Beyond Paradise and sitcom Not Going Out, starring Sally Bretton in dual roles alongside Lee Mack, Kris Marshall, and Zahra Ahmadi. The comedy of mistaken identities proved a highlight of the evening, blending slapstick humor with charitable appeal.
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The schedule shake-up came amid emotional storylines in Series 14, particularly surrounding Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington). In shocking scenes from the previous episode, Selwyn—after a turbulent season involving forced retirement and reinstatement—chose to step down permanently from his role, leaving Saint Marie without its longstanding leader.
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Speculation arose about a potential “double exit,” with teasers hinting at personal news impacting DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet). The finale promised resolution to ongoing plots, including Mervin’s investigations and team dynamics under new leadership.
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Series 14 marked Don Gilet’s debut as the pragmatic Londoner DI Mervin Wilson, clashing with island life while solving sun-soaked mysteries alongside DS Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson), Officer Marlon Pryce, and others. The Caribbean backdrop of fictional Saint Marie continued to enchant viewers.
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Despite the delay, anticipation built for the rescheduled finale, with fans eager for closure on Selwyn’s arc and potential farewells. Death in Paradise remains a BBC staple, blending clever whodunnits with heartfelt character development.
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