Fans of Death in Paradise can look forward to the show’s return later this month, with the reappearance of a beloved character – JP Hooper, portrayed by Tobi Bakare.
After solving the mystery of ‘Who shot the Santas?’ and dealing with the news of his estranged mother’s death, DI Mervin Wilson (played by Don Gilet ) is all set to bid farewell to the island. However, when a case that hits close to home for the station crew arises, will he be persuaded to prolong his stay?
While Mervin continues to stir things up, the police squad collaborates to crack some of the island’s most perplexing cases.
JP Hooper had previously left Saint Marie following the birth of his twins and a promising promotion training new police recruits. Nevertheless, the officer is set to make a comeback in the first episode of the forthcoming series, reports the Express. But will he be staying?
In the episode, Tobi will share the screen with a star-studded line-up of guest stars, including Michelle Greenidge (Kaos), Joy Richardson (Dreamland), Stephen Odubola (Boiling Point), Anthony J. Abraham (The Acolyte), Simon Lennon (Our Girl), Bhavna Limbachia (Brassic), Adam James (The Day of The Jackal), David Avery (Gangs of London), Sofia Oxenham (A Very Royal Scandal), and Patricia Allison (Sex Education).
Other famous faces includes, Imogen King (Love Rat), David Mumeni (Bridgerton), Madeline Appiah (In The Long Run), Siobhan Redmond (Two Doors Down), Chantelle Alle (Hijack), Rita Bernard-Shaw (The Power), Bobby Gordon (Three Little Birds), Tony Marshall (Casualty), Charlotte Spencer (The Gold), Tala Gouveia (McDonald and Dodds), Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge (Holby City), Gerard Horan (Detectorists), Judith Jacob (The Five), Lily Nichol (Renegade Nell), and Lyndsey Marshal (Inside Man).
The synopsis for the eagerly awaited new series hints at dramatic developments, with familiar faces returning to their roles.
The description teases: “Elsewhere, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) must deal with momentous news from the Chief Commissioner in Jamaica that rocks the police department to its core.
“As an unexpected foe attempts to enforce the unfathomable, Catherine (Elizabeth Bourgine), as Mayor, acts as the last line of defence in a battle to save the team as we know it.
“In an unexpected twist, Naomi (Shantol Jackson) finds herself at an emotional crossroads when an old flame from St Barnabas makes a surprising appearance on the island, while Darlene (Ginny Holder) becomes a mentor when a new officer joins the ranks, but is left questioning whether she’s the right person for the job.
“And with the opportunity to learn more about his mother’s life, Mervin begins to discover things may not be all they seem in Saint Marie. As everything he thought he knew unravels, will his life ever be the same again?”
The news of the series set fans abuzz on social media, brimming with excitement at JP’s comeback.
One ardent fan commented, “OMG, I hope we get JP for more than one episode,” while another gleefully posted: “Please tell me JP is back for good.”
Another chimed in, expressing their happiness: “So glad JP is back.”
Someone else added: “Yes, please tell me JP is here to stay!”
Death in Paradise returns to BBC One on January 31.
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