Death In Paradise viewers are convinced that there is a sinister reason behind Commissioner Selwyn Patterson’s departure from the show, as a new character has been introduced

Fans of Death in Paradise are speculating a dark twist behind Commissioner Selwyn Patterson’s upcoming exit from the BBC show.

The recent episode revealed that the long-serving character, who has been on the series since its inception, is set to leave the Saint Marie police force by week’s end.

With the introduction of a new commissioner, viewers are suspecting foul play.

Sterling Fox, brought to life by Holby City actor Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge, is seen taking over as Warrington’s cherished character prepares for his departure, exuding an air of dishonesty.

Social media platform X saw a surge of fan theories about the newcomer.

One fan wrote: “I really think there’s a secret agenda to getting Selwyn out.”

Another speculated: “Yeah they want Selwyn out of the way for some reason……..if they were getting rid of his job, why is there a replacement?” and another added: “No there’s definitely something dodgy going on about getting rid of Selwyn.”

Fox’s grand entrance in a luxury car and his condescending remark calling Selwyn’s office “cute” during their first meeting, along with meddling in a murder case discussion, have only fuelled these suspicions, reports the Express.

Selwyn has informed Mervin that “after tomorrow”, when he departs, he won’t be able to officially assist him with the ongoing investigation into his mother’s death, something he’s usually eager to help with.

It’s still uncertain whether Fox will become a regular on Death in Paradise, as the show hasn’t confirmed if Commissioner Selwyn is truly leaving for good.

Viewers quickly took a disliking to the new character and pleaded for Selwyn to be saved using the hashtag #saveselwyn. One fan vented: “Don’t like this swarmy, arrogant t**t! Poor Selwyn”.

Another chimed in with: “who is that idiot who’s replacing Selwyn?” and “The commissioner can’t get replaced by that horror”.

In the upcoming episode, Sterling’s character is set to interfere with an active investigation, trying to stop DI Mervin Wilson’s inquiry into his mother’s suspicious death.

This suggests a potential conflict between the new Commissioner and the detective team, raising questions about Sterling’s policing tactics and his true intentions on Saint Marie Island. When asked if this season could see his character’s exit, Don Warrington told Radio Times: “Well, who knows? Anything can happen in this life.”

Don Gilet, who portrays DI Wilson, highlighted Warrington’s significance 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 characterised Selwyn’s contribution as “instrumental” to the series and highlighted the significance of the “all knowing” aura that Warrington infuses into the show.