Don Warrington has spoken out about the passionate reaction from Death in Paradise viewers following rumours that his character would be departing the beloved BBC drama.
The actor, who portrays Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, admitted the response caught him completely off guard.
"Well, it came as a shock to me, I have to say," Mr Warrington told Radio Times.
He had anticipated the storyline would slip by without much notice, but the opposite proved true.
"I thought it would just pass by under the radar and we'd carry on. But, apparently, there has been an outcry. It's flattering, and I would be dishonest if I said it wasn't," he explained.
The veteran performer acknowledged being genuinely taken aback by how profoundly audiences had connected with the show's characters over the years.
When pressed about the ongoing fan speculation regarding his potential departure, Mr Warrington offered a characteristically enigmatic response.
"What I'd say to them was, 'Wait and see'," he revealed.
BBC Death in Paradise fans reacted strongly to rumours of Don Warrington's 'exit'
|BBC
The actor explained that keeping viewers guessing was intentional, as the uncertainty surrounding his character's fate formed a crucial element of the narrative.
"That was all I was allowed to say because 'Has he?/Hasn't he?' was part of the story," Mr Warrington added.
Rather than finding the conjecture tiresome, the star appeared to relish the audience engagement it generated.
"I love speculation. It's such fun. Rumour is wonderful," he said.
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Don Warrington admitted he loves 'speculation'
|BBC
The mystery has since been resolved, with the Christmas special confirming Patterson's intention to return to Saint Marie.
The forthcoming 15th series will see Commissioner Patterson grappling with the consequences of his time away from the Caribbean island.
According to the BBC, the returning commissioner must face up to how his recent absence has affected those around him.
His longtime companion, Catherine Bordey, portrayed by Elizabeth Bourgine, will deliver some frank advice to help him find his footing again.
Don Warrington was 'flattered' by the huge fan response
|PA
Patterson's primary objective upon his return centres on rebuilding relationships and earning back the confidence of Saint Marie's residents.
The character's journey promises to explore themes of redemption and reconnection as he works to restore his standing within the community he left behind.
His comeback will not be straightforward, however, with a dramatic incident at his offices immediately complicating matters.