Death In Paradise Christmas Special | Preview (BBC One)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year as we return to sun-drenched Saint Marie, joining the police team and a new Detective Inspector for a festive feature-length Death in Paradise Christmas special.

When holiday maker Stuart Fullwell (Marcus Brigstocke), fresh from performing karaoke dressed as Santa, is found shot dead on the beach by a young boy Ollie - son of Jamie (Jim Howick) - the Saint Marie police team kick into action. But with no Detective Inspector in place of the recently departed Neville Parker, are they capable of tackling such a big case?

With the pressure mounting, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) is relieved to receive some encouraging news as he learns a British detective is holidaying on the island.

Following a somewhat disappointing solo trip, DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) is aboard a flight back home to London ready to take off, though is informed by his boss that he’s to be seconded to Honoré, whether he likes it or not…

Jim Howick (Ghosts), Angela Griffin (The Wives), Marcus Brigstocke (The Unbelievable Truth), Steven Hartley (Happy Valley), Elizabeth Carling (Hotel Portofino), Michael Salami (Supacell) and Dex Lee (Doctors), will all spend Christmas in the Caribbean as they guest star.

They join brand new Detective Inspector Don Gilet (Sherwood, EastEnders, The Beekeeper, Shetland) in his first appearance as DI Mervin Wilson.

Alongside series regulars Don Warrington as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, Shantol Jackson as DS Naomi Thomas, Ginny Holder as Officer Darlene Curtis, Danny John-Jules as Officer Dwayne Myers and Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey in the BBC Caribbean crime drama's festive special.

The episode will also see Dwayne joined by his father, Nelson, played by Ram John Holder. We’re back on the beautiful island of Saint Marie, and this time with a new detective inspector in tow.

Death In Paradise Christmas Special airs Sunday 22nd December on BBC One and iPlayer.