Death in Paradise has revealed the first look at Commissioner Selwyn Patterson's replacement ahead of this Friday's episode.
Sterling Fox, played by Holby City's Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge, will step into the role as Don Warrington's beloved character prepares to leave.
The latest episode confirmed that Commissioner Patterson, who has appeared since the show's very first episode, would be departing the Saint Marie police force in less than a week.
Sterling will make his debut in the upcoming episode airing on Friday, and will arrive in style - pulling up in a flash car that immediately sets the tone for his character.
In his first interaction with Commissioner Selwyn, he describes the veteran officer's workspace as "cute".
The first glimpse suggests a stark contrast to Warrington's dignified Commissioner, potentially signalling a different leadership approach for Saint Marie's police force.
Commissioner Selwyn's replacement is being unveiled this Friday
BBC
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In the following episode, Sterling's character will reportedly attempt to interfere with an ongoing investigation as he tries to shut down DI Mervin Wilson's inquiry into the suspicious death of his mother.
This development suggests potential conflict between the new Commissioner and the detective team and raises questions about Sterling's approach to police work and his respect for proper investigative procedures.
The uncertainty around Sterling's permanence has left fans wondering about Commissioner Selwyn's future.
It remains unclear whether Fox will be a permanent fixture on Death in Paradise, with the show not confirming if Commissioner Selwyn is truly leaving for good.
Fans have been left confused as to whether he is permanently leaving the show
BBC
His departure would likely devastate fans who have followed the character since the series began 0 but Fox’s arrival has left them confused.
Taking to Reddit, one asked: “Why would there be a replacement? His job is being phased out,” leaving another to reply: “This threw me too. I thought there was no money in the budget for Selwyn's job.”
"Probably heading up smaller islands?" A third said before another added: “The person taking over from him'?? I thought his role was being dissolved...”
A fifth quipped: “There's a new role covering lots of islands, I think. Maybe he'll do that. It'll let him be on the show less often, so he can relax more.”
Someone else wrote: “I assume it's being consolidated - someone else will take it on along with their existing role.”
When previously asked if this season could lead to his character's departure, Don Warrington told Radio Times: "Well, who knows? Anything can happen in this life."
Don Gilet prasied Don Warrington for his time on the show
BBC
Don Gilet, who plays DI Wilson, emphasised Warrington's importance to the show and added to Digital Spy: “His presence is very much needed, otherwise, he wouldn't still be there, in whatever capacity.”
He described Selwyn's role as "instrumental" to the series and noted the importance of having that "all knowing" energy that Warrington brings to the show.
