Death in Paradise announces casting shake-up as filming kicks off on murder-filled series 11
DEATH in Paradise has added Jamaican actress Shantol Jackson as newcomer Naomi to the cast for series 11 as they gear up for their “best yet”.
Shantol joined the cast of hit BBC One drama as filming on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe got underway.
Rated as one of Jamaica's rising stars, Shantol previously starred in the Idris Elba directed British crime drama film Yardie and Sprinter, which followed a boy separated from his mother moving to the US for a better life.
Shantol will play ambitious young sergeant, Naomi Thomas, a gifted officer who has arrived from a neighbouring island to join the Saint Marie Police.
But having come from a smaller police force, will her lack of experience get the better of her?
Talking about her role, Shantol said: “I'm so grateful for this amazing opportunity to join the cast of this fun-filled, entertaining series.
“I used to watch Death in Paradise with my dad in Jamaica years ago when it just started and to now be in the show, knowing that he'll be watching me, it's truly a surreal moment. Looking forward to adding to the magic!"
Reprising their roles are series regulars Ralf Little as D.I. Neville Parker, Josephine Jobert as D.S Florence Cassell, Don Warrington as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, Tahj Miles as Officer Marlon Pryce and Elizabeth Bourgine as Mayor Catherine Bordey.
The 10th anniversary series averaged nearly nine million viewers.
Fans saw JP leave Saint Marie, trainee officer Marlon Pryce become a permanent member of the team, and Neville on the cusp of revealing his true feelings for Florence.
Series 11 will see even more mysterious murders, guest stars galore, huge surprises and plenty of twists.
How will Marlon cope without JP?
Will Neville disclose how he really feels about Florence and how will she respond to this bombshell?
Could the return of familiar faces to the island cause trouble in paradise?
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Executive producer, Tim Key said: “We’re so excited to be back in Guadeloupe and calling action on our 11th series - and also to welcome Shantol to the cast.
“She’s an amazing addition to the team and we can’t wait for the audience to meet Naomi.
“We also can’t wait to share some huge surprises we’ve got in store - after the success of our tenth anniversary we’ve set the bar pretty high, so we’re pulling out all the stops to make this our best series yet.”
Death in Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.