Stand-up Marcus Brigstocke and Ghosts star Jim Howick are to make guest appearances in the feature-length Christmas special of Death in Paradise, the BBC has announced.
The episode also marks the debut of EastEnders star Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson, who has a seasonal case to investigate on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie.
Three men, all unconnected apart from the fact that they’re dressed as Father Christmas, all appear to have been shot with the exact same gun at the exact same time.
Brigstocke plays Stuart Fullwell the first of the Santas to be discovered – shot dead soon after he performed karaoke in the costume. His body was found on the beach by a young boy Ollie, son of holidaymaker Jamie (Howick)
The episode’s guest cast also includes Angela Griffin, Steven Hartley, Elizabeth Carling, Michael Salami, Ram John Holder and Dex Lee – who join regulars Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, Danny John-Jules and Élizabeth Bourgine.
Shot on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, the Death in Paradise Christmas special will be followed by a new series in 2025.
Death in Paradise is the UK’s most-watched returning drama of the year so far, seen by more than 8million viewers. BBC Studios, who distribute the series, say it has been licensed to 230 ‘territories’ – more than there are countries in the world
