Death In Paradise fans 'gutted' as 'perfect' character is AXED from show after seven years - with BBC penning poignant goodbye post
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Death In Paradise viewers have been left disappointed after learning a fan favourite is leaving the show after seven years.
The light-hearted crime drama has seen many cast members come and go since its 2011 debut.
Ahead of the 15th series, the BBC confirmed Officer Darlene Curtis - played by Ginny Holder - is bowing out.
Sharing an emotional montage of the character's best moments, the social media caption read: Sadly, we’re saying goodbye to Darlene this series.
'Ginny Holder has been a much-loved cast member, and we’re hugely grateful to her for bringing her talent, personality, and energy to Officer Darlene Curtis.'
The statement added: 'We wish her all the best – maybe we’ll catch up with her in Saint Marie down the line!'
BBC has confirmed Darlene Curtis (Ginny Holder) is bowing out of Death In Paradise ahead of series 25
Darlene first appeared on the show in series seven, before returning in series 11 and being brought into the police team by Commissioner Patterson (Don Warrington, pictured)
Taking to social media, Death in Paradise viewers shared their disappointment to see Darlene and actress Ginny Holder go
Reacting to this news, one fan wrote: 'Oh no! How sad! I adore the spice and class Darlene brings to the show. Wishing Ginny all the very best.'
Another agreed: 'Darlene will be missed – who else will put DI Mervin in his place?!'
A third added: 'Aww, Darlene will be missed and have enjoyed her character very much.
'Wishing @GinnyHolder1 all the best for the future and hope it won’t be too long before we see her on screen again.'
While a fourth viewer described Darlene as a 'perfect' character and a 'breath of fresh air.'
Darlene first appeared on the show in its seventh series, before returning in series 11, which aired in 2022.
After initially joining the team in a civilian capacity, she later became a fully-fledged police officer.
With Darlene's departure, it means Honoré Police Force will be down a member - but that won't be the case for too long.
DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) will now be joined by sassy new sergeant Mattie Fletcher (played by Catherine Garton).
In released snaps the island's new recruit looks ready to take on the tropical location's numerous murders as she posed in her uniform on the golden sands.
Last week Daily Mail's Katie Hind exclusively revealed that BBC bosses had cast up-and-coming actress Catherine, 27, in the role.
Speaking ahead of the new series, the actress opened up about her new role and shared how much she loved Guadeloupe, the filming location for the fictional Saint Marie.
Death in Paradise have revealed the first look at the show's sassy new sergeant as she arrives on sun-soaked Saint Marie for the show's fifteenth season
New Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson, played by Don Gilet, 58, has only just settled in to life on island and will now be joined by new recruit Mattie Fletcher (Catherine Garton)
'I didn't quite know what to anticipate, then it exceeded any expectations I could have had. I love the island. Guadeloupe is like a postcard. It's quite unreal'.
'Every time I walked out I was like “this exists, wow!” It’s absolutely stunning. Everyone's nice. I love the culture. The food's great'.
Gushing over her character, Catherine branded her 'tenacious': She's really fun to play.
'She's sassy, but she's like your big sister who will tell you what's what, but you can also come to her if you need to'.
The latest series sees DI Wilson continue to adjust to life in Saint Marie, he and the police team must face a myriad of baffling cases.
Whilst attempting to connect with his recently discovered half-brother Solomon (Daniel Ward), Mervin’s newfound familial happiness soon turns to frustration as he discovers the pair are not quite as similar as he hoped they might be.
Returning Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) confronts the impact of his recent period of absence, and after some tough love from old friend, Catherine Bordey (Elizabeth Bourgine), he’s determined to win back the trust of the island.
Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson) and Officer Sebastian Rose (Shaquille Ali-Yebuah) are also back.
Death in Paradise airs on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.
