Death in Paradise has been on our screens for 14 years with a revolving door of detectives brought to Saint Marie.
Hayley Anderson TV Reporter
13:30, 11 Oct 2025
WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Death in Paradise.
Death in Paradise has undergone numerous changes with a host of detectives tackling countless murders on the island of Saint Marie.
Since its inception, the popular BBC crime drama has seen a constant rotation of detectives, either seeking a fresh start or meeting their end on the island.
With some time still to go before the return of Death in Paradise for both its Christmas special and series 15, let’s take a look at all the detective inspectors who have graced the show so far.
Although DI Charlie Hulme’s stint on Death in Paradise was brief, he was technically the first detective to kick-start the successful franchise.
Death In Paradise inspectors in order
Detective Inspector Charlie Hulme – Hugo Speer
Death in Paradise’s first detective was DI Charlie Hulme, played by actor Hugo Speer.(Image: BBC)READ MORE: BBC Death in Paradise’s Ardal O’Hanlon opens up on returning to beloved role ‘never say never’READ MORE: Death In Paradise star shares major sacrifice they made to feature on BBC series
In the inaugural episode, which aired in October 2011, Charlie only appeared in the opening scenes before being fatally shot with a silenced pistol in a locked panic room.
By the episode’s conclusion, it was revealed that his partner DS Lily Thompson (Lenora Crichlow) had murdered him while he was investigating a people smuggling operation she was involved in.
Detective Inspector Richard Poole – Ben Miller
Death In Paradise’s DI Richard Poole played by actor Ben Miller.(Image: BBC)
DI Richard Poole was swiftly introduced in the first episode, having been dispatched from London to Saint Marie to investigate DI Hulme’s murder.
Despite his aversion to beach life, Poole chose to stay on the island for the next three years.
Then, in 2014, when season three premiered, DI Poole was shockingly murdered with an ice pick at a university reunion party.
By the conclusion of the first episode, it was revealed that he was murdered by fellow ex-student Sasha Moore (Helen Baxendale), who feared he was about to expose her for identity theft committed decades ago.
Detective Inspector Humphrey Goodman – Kris Marshall
Death in Paradise’s Detective Inspector Humphrey Goodman is played by actor Kris Marshall.(Image: BBC)
Much like his predecessor, DI Goodman was dispatched to Saint Marie to probe into DI Poole’s murder.
However, his approach was markedly different; not only was Humphrey incredibly organised and accident-prone, but he also displayed a much more positive attitude towards starting anew on Saint Marie.
Humphrey stayed on the island for four years, departing at the beginning of series six to return to London and reunite with his true love Martha Lloyd (Sally Bretton).
They now have their own Cornwall-based spin-off Beyond Paradise, which is anticipated to return for its fourth series next year.
Detective Inspector Jack Mooney – Ardal O’Hanlon
Death in Paradise’s Detective Inspector Jack Mooney played by actor Ardal O’Hanlon.(Image: BBC)
DI Jack Mooney and his daughter Siobhan opted to relocate to Saint Marie, seeking a fresh start following the death of his wife.
Although his reasons for moving to the island were sorrowful, Jack was amiable and empathetic, and like all the detectives, he had a knack for solving mysteries.
He featured in Death in Paradise from series six to nine, and it seemed as though he had discovered a new ‘happily ever after’ with Anna Masani (Nina Wadia).
Jack had agreed to travel with her, but changed his mind at the last moment when he realised he was using the island to avoid grieving for his wife.
Instead, he and Siobhan left Saint Marie for good, so they could finally confront their grief properly.
Detective Inspector Neville Parker – Ralf Little
Death in Paradise’s DI Neville Parker is played by actor Ralf Little.(Image: BBC)
DI Neville Parker, who holds the record for being the longest-serving detective on the show, featured from series nine through to the finale of series 13.
The brilliant yet neurotic detective faced romantic challenges in Saint Marie, particularly in series 10 when he was rejected by DS Florence Cassell (Josephine Jobert).
After her departure from the show, Neville found himself smitten with Sophie Chambers (Chelsea Edge), who attempted to frame him for murder following his pivotal role in the arrest and subsequent death of her sister.
However, series 13 saw a happy ending for Neville when Florence returned, confessed her feelings for him, and they sailed off into the sunset together.
Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson – Don Gilet
Death in Paradise’s Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson played by Don Gilet.(Image: BBC)
The current detective in Death in Paradise is DI Mervin Wilson, who joined the team during the 2024 Christmas special.
He left London to investigate the mysterious death of his estranged mother in Saint Marie and led the investigations in season 14.
Actor Gilet is set to return for both the upcoming Christmas episode and next year’s season 15, which is anticipated to begin in either January or February.
Death in Paradise is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
