Death in Paradise's Selwyn Patterson star teases possible exit amid fan backlash to 100th episode spoiler

Death in Paradise's Selwyn Patterson star teases possible exit amid fan backlash to 100th episode spoiler

WATCH NOW: Ralf Little shares gruesome behind the scenes clip from series 13 filming

INSTAGRAM/RALF LITTLE
Alex Davies

By Alex Davies


Published: 04/02/2024

- 15:39

The 100th episode of Death in Paradise is set to be a rollercoaster affair

Don Warrington, the actor behind Death in Paradise stalwart Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, has spoken out about the harrowing storyline his character faces in Sunday's season 13 premiere.

To mark the impressive milestone of 100 episodes, Ralf Little's DI Neville Parker returns to screens on the fictional island of Saint Marie but the latest mystery surrounds an attempt on Selwyn's life.


The BBC has already teased that Selwyn will be shot by an unknown enemy in Sunday's episode.

It's left to Neville and the team to get to the bottom of who pulled the trigger and what their motivations were while Selwyn's life hangs in the balance.

The Beeb hasn't given away what the future holds for Selwyn beyond episode 100, but actor Warrington has refused to rule out the possibility his character could be killed off after 50 years in the force.

"It was exciting to shoot because I think it's an episode where we move away from the sort of conventional case, as it is a crime that involves everybody," Warrington told the BBC ahead of the episode.

Ralf  Little

Death in Paradise episode 100: Ralf Little returns as Neville Parker

BBC

He continued: "Everybody is emotionally involved in solving it, given the victim is somebody they know.

"They have an emotional response that is different because normally, we don't know the victims, so, there's a detachment when dealing with them.

"There's a sense of jeopardy about this case which I think hopefully makes it exciting to watch," he continued before cryptically adding: "I suppose the big question is, will he make it or not?"

Fans will have to tune into the premiere of season 13 to see if they'll be given any answers but in the meantime, several have vented their frustrations that such a big spoiler has already been unveiled to promote the series.

After hearing the news that Selwyn would be shot in the season opener, some fans took to social media to slam the decision to make the storyline public.

"Given away too much there man!" one person raged on X, formerly Twitter, while a second added: "Spoilers! Is there any point in me watching now?"

A third was similarly dismayed as they asked: "Why did you have to tell us that, it would have been more of a shock when we watch it."

"Talk about spoilers wtf," another commented while a fifth questioned: "Commissioner shot?" (sic)

Don Warrington

Death in Paradise's 100th episode: Could Selwyn Patterson be about to leave the show?

BBC

Little has also spoken out about the 100th episode and how his character will deal with Selwyn's life hanging in the balance.

"Neville, like the rest of the team is really struggling with it," Little said to the BBC. "They don't know if the Commissioner is going to be okay.

"Neville and the Commissioner appear to have a prickly relationship since he arrived, however, I don’t actually think they do. The Commissioner is like a father figure to Neville, and he’s been there every step of the way, even though he might be grumpy and standoffish...

"It's a really tough case for him and it’s our 100th episode, episode one. What could possibly have gone on? It's a great one.

"I think people are going to love it as well as be worried. Make no mistake, our characters are absolutely desperate for things to work out.

"They all have a stake in it. It’s important to them to always solve the crimes but I don't think we've ever had a crime where every single character has an emotional stake in solving it, and that gives the whole thing a new dynamic."

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