Death In Paradise star Elizabeth Bourgine has opened up on the new season following one character’s exit.
Elizabeth Bourgine plays Catherine Borday (Image: BBC)
Death In Paradise favourite Elizabeth Bourgine has revealed how her co-star’s departure has affected her character’s journey in the show.
The actress, who portrays Saint Marie’s beloved Catherine Bordey, is set to return to the hit BBC crime drama alongside cast members including Shantol Jackson and Don Gilet.
With Death In Paradise gearing up for its 15th series launch in just days, Elizabeth has given fans a glimpse into Catherine’s forthcoming storyline in the wake of Commissioner Selwyn Patterson’s (played by Don Warrington) departure.
When questioned about how Catherine is assisting the police team in rebuilding the island’s confidence following his exit, she revealed: “She helps the team to understand that they must do something to regain the islanders’ trust in them as a police force.
Death In Paradise returns in a few days(Image: BBC)
“Throughout the series, there’s a running thread of the people of Saint Marie learning to rely on one another and count on one another, so when Selwyn left, it felt like a betrayal to the people of Saint Marie,” reports the Express.
“Catherine helps the team to understand how the island is feeling, and what they need to do moving forward.”
Selwyn departed Saint Marie at the conclusion of the previous series, with DI Mervin actor Don reflecting on the “great loss” and commenting: “You see how it impacts the characters, thinking that somebody who has employed them and has been there seemingly forever suddenly goes, ‘well, I’m off, I don’t want to do this anymore’.
“Selwyn has been the only one that really gets Mervin from a paternal perspective. He’s the only one that he’s shared his demons and fears with and he’s always a step ahead.
Don Gilet returns as DI Mervin Wilson(Image: BBC)
“It’s certainly a great loss, that feeling that the person who you can always go to isn’t going to be there anymore. It’s left an emotional hole in the team, and it’s going to be interesting for audiences to see how they survive without him.”
Selwyn departed the force with a quiet exit, informing only Catherine of his choice, despite being offered his former position back following an appeal from his colleagues.
Asked why he’d turned it down after fighting so hard, he said: “I don’t know, but it felt wrong to say yes, too much has happened, and right now, I can’t see a way to get back to how things were.”
He then pleaded with her: “Promise me, you will look after yourself and the rest of them.”
Selwyn left Saint Marie at the end of the last series(Image: BBC)
She replied: “Of course, promise me this isn’t farewell but au revoir.”
Ahead of the Christmas special airing just weeks ago, Catherine admitted her character was “upset and angry” at Selwyn’s departure.
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She said: “They both did their best all throughout the last series, but she was angry because it was too easy for him to abandon things after all of that.
“Ultimately, she’s disappointed, but he’s her best friend, and whether he’s on Saint Marie or not, she will always support him.”
Death In Paradise returns to BBC One and iPlayer on Friday 30th January at 9pm.