Don Warrington makes feelings clear on Ginny Holder's BBC Death in Paradise exit: 'Always sad'

Fans already suspected Darlene may have made an exit after she made only a very brief appearance in the recent Christmas special, via a phone screen.

She informed the others she'd been caring for her aunt, and the series 15 premiere addresses her absence, with audiences told Darlene won't be back for the "foreseeable".

Ms Holder talked about leaving the role behind in a reflecting Instagram post, where she wrote: "Playing Darlene was an absolute gift – saying goodbye has been far more emotional than I ever expected."

She continued: "The love and support for Darlene has meant the world to me… you've made this journey unforgettable."

Mr Warrington, who stars as Death in Paradise stalwart Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, also addressed Ms Holder's exit.

Speaking to Radio Times, he and officer Sebastian Rose actor Shaquille Ali-Yebuah shared their thoughts of bidding farewell to the actress.

The latter described the update as a "surprise," adding: "We miss her. I actually did my first audition with her, and that was my partner in crime in my first season. She's going to be missed."

Mr Ali-Yebuah labelled the actress "amazing," and stated she will "definitely be missed."

Mr Warrington went on to add that "losing somebody" from a show is "always sad."

He continued: "But these things happen. It's the nature of the business."

Touching on Mr Warrington's assessment about the nature of such shows, a newcomer is joining the series just as Darlene waves goodbye.

Catherine Garton is joining the popular drama as Sergeant Mattie Fletcher.

Mr Ali-Yebuah teased what viewers can expect from the new character while applauding his new co-star.

"She's my new partner in discovery, she's amazing," he shared. "Catherine's very talented, and her character adds a different edge to the series."

A synopsis for the first episode of series 15, which airs tonight, reads: "Selwyn’s return to Saint Marie is disrupted by a suspicious death at Government House, where a man has fallen from the roof.

"It looks like a suicide, but DI Mervin Wilson suspects foul play. However, no-one was on the roof with the victim when he fell, and he had locked the roof door behind him.

"So, if this man was pushed, how did it happen? Meanwhile, Mervin is anxious to finally meet his half-brother Solomon, the other son of the mother Mervin never knew."