Death in Paradise set for one-off feature-length Christmas special

Death in Paradise is set to hit screens with the first ever Christmas special this year.

The BBC programme will give viewers a glimpse of sunshine in the depths of winter as they visit the fictional Saint Marie island via their television screens.

The 90-minute special will mark the show’s 10th anniversary year, with actor Danny John-Jules, 60, who plays Officer Dwayne Myers, returning for the episode.

Danny said: ‘It’s always a pleasure going back to the Caribbean.

‘After four years away, fitting back into the fold should be seamless as I know the new lead cast members.

‘I look forward to bringing Dwayne and this 10th ­anniversary special script to life.’

Celebration: The 90-minute special will mark the show’s 10th anniversary year with actor Danny John-Jules, 60, who plays Officer Dwayne Myers, returning for the episode

The special will also star Ralf Little, 41, as DI Neville Parker and Juliet Stevenson, 64, will make a guest appearance, according to the Daily Mirror.

Executive producer Tim Key said: ‘We’ve been talking about a Christmas episode for years so we’re beyond excited to be finally making one and to be working with Danny again.

‘We can’t think of a better place to spend Christmas than in Saint Marie.’

Comeback: Executive producer Tim Key said: ‘We’ve been talking about a Christmas episode for years so we’re beyond excited to be finally making one and to be working with Danny again

Last month it was announced Jamaican actress Shantol Jackson had joined the cast of BBC drama its 11th series.

The star, who played Yvonne in the Idris Elba-directed 2018 crime drama Yardie, was signed up to play ambitious young sergeant Naomi Thomas.

Shantol, 28, said at the time: ‘I’m so grateful for this amazing opportunity to join the cast of this fun-filled, entertaining series.

Special appearance: Actress Juliet Stevenson, 64, is set to make a guest appearance in the Christmas special (pictured 2019)

‘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.’

Ralf recently revealed he was separated from his fiancée throughout filming the most recent series of Death In Paradise due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Go for it: Jamaican actress Shantol Jacksonjoined the cast of BBC drama Death In Paradise last month for its 11th series

Ralf is engaged to playwright Lindsey Ferrentino, 32, but the couple’s wedding has now been put on hold after she suggested they get married in Guadeloupe where Death In Paradise is filmed (pictured together in New York in 2018)

The actor is engaged to playwright Lindsey Ferrentino, 32, and told how the couple’s wedding has been put on hold after she suggested they get married in Guadeloupe where the show is filmed.

Speaking on The One Show, he said: ‘Well they’re [wedding plans] pretty much on hold. She couldn’t even come out to the island this time.

That was an idea she had, ‘why don’t we get married out here?’ I was like, ’cause I’m busy trying to film a TV show where I’m in every scene’.