BBC Confirms Selwyn Patterson's Future in Death in Paradise Ahead of Season Finale

Fans of Death in Paradise were left in suspense as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson’s (Don Warrington) fate in the BBC drama took an unexpected turn. After weeks of uncertainty, the latest episode confirmed what’s next for the beloved character.

Selwyn Patterson Faces Redundancy Amid Budget Cuts

Earlier this season, Death in Paradise viewers were shocked to learn that Commissioner Selwyn Patterson was facing redundancy due to budget cuts in Saint Marie’s police force. The shake-up led to the introduction of Sterling Fox (Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge), a younger, more bureaucratic replacement. With Selwyn seemingly pushed out, fans feared they were witnessing the end of his long-standing role in the series.

Tension Rises as Selwyn’s Successor Takes Over

In last week’s episode, the emotional weight of the transition became clear. Selwyn met his successor, Sterling Fox, who wasted no time enforcing his authority. Meanwhile, DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) was deep in a personal investigation—his mother, Dorna (Judith Jacob), had mysteriously disappeared, with official reports claiming she drowned at sea.

Sterling, unconvinced by foul play, ordered Wilson to close the case. However, Mayor Catherine Bordey (Élizabeth Bourgine) intervened, urging Selwyn to step in. Despite his initial reluctance, her words struck a chord: “50 years of service to this island, and now you can just walk away?”

Selwyn Patterson Makes a Bold Move

Selwyn, moved by Catherine’s plea, took an unconventional approach to ensure the investigation continued. He deliberately staged an incident, accusing Sterling of damaging his car—an excuse to delay the case’s closure by an extra day. This maneuver allowed Wilson and his team to uncover the truth: Dorna had not drowned but was murdered by her longtime acquaintances Roy Palmer (Gerard Horan) and Brianna (Joy Richardson).

With justice served, the tension between Wilson and Sterling reached a boiling point. Sterling attempted to assert his authority, threatening to report Wilson’s actions to the Chief Commissioner. However, Wilson turned the tables, pointing out that if Sterling’s orders had been followed, a murderer would have gone free.

Fans React to Selwyn’s Triumphant Return

As the episode ended, the teaser for the upcoming finale strongly hinted at Selwyn being reinstated as Commissioner. Fans erupted with excitement on social media, celebrating the potential return of one of the show’s most iconic characters.

• “YES SELWYN! Definitely just shouted at my TV in excitement.”

• “Selwyn has always been the best character.”

• “Best news of the year! Hopefully, the Commissioner is staying in paradise.”

What’s Next for Selwyn Patterson?

With the season finale just around the corner, all eyes are on Selwyn’s future. Will he officially reclaim his position, or is another twist in store? One thing is certain—Saint Marie wouldn’t be the same without its longtime Commissioner.

Death in Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer, with the finale airing on March 28.