BBC Death in Paradise's Naomi Thomas' future addressed amid dislike of new detective

Fans of Death in Paradise were treated to a series return at the end of January, a delight for BBC viewers who saw the introduction of character DI Mervin Wilson, brilliantly brought to life by Don Gilet. While Ralf Little's much-adored Neville Parker may have made his exit last season, the first episode didn't skimp on familiar faces, such as Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas, played by Shanton Jackson, who became part of the team in season 11.

The beloved squad witnessed a changeover when Naomi stepped in after JP Hooper (Tobi Bakare) left in season 10. Expressing her enthusiasm for returning to the show, the actress opened up about her profound affection for the work and the people involved, reports the Express. She enthused: "I love the fact that this is a Caribbean show and it's a long-running Caribbean show. The fact I'm able to speak in my own dialect and I'm a part of drama set in the Caribbean, that's what brings me back.".

She went on to say: "I'm adding value to something that means so much to me. I love Guadeloupe, the island and the people. I love the crew and the harmony between us all. I'm just very blessed to be a part of the Death in Paradise story.". However, regarding her character's cold reception towards DI Mervin Wilson, she shared candidly that Naomi's initial thoughts were none too friendly. Detailing her characters first impressions, she said the newcomer was: "Rude, insensitive and impatient! During the Christmas special, Naomi and Darlene want Mervin to leave but they understand that the team need a Detective Inspector.

"He complains about the island a lot and is offensive, and that doesn't sit well with her or Darlene! She makes these feelings known to him, but she does realise that he is very capable and intuitive.". Only time will tell if DI Mervin will fit in with the Saint Marie team after a chilly reception during the Christmas special. In the first episode of the new series, BBC viewers saw the DI tasked with solving the murder of a young man whose body was found in a ravine.

The mystery deepened when it was revealed the victim had left a cryptic message behind. A summary for the upcoming episode states: "A game show contestant is stabbed during the filming of the series's grand finale. In a baffling turn of events, the victim is murdered in mid-air whilst hurtling down a zip line. "As various members of the TV crew come under suspicion, Mervin surprises his colleagues by signing a contract to prolong his stay on Saint Marie. However, he and Selwyn clash when it becomes clear Mervin has an ulterior motive for extending his visit. It also turns out that Selwyn has secrets of his own.".