…alongside Ardal O’Hanlon, Don Warrington, Tobi Bakare, Shyko Amos and Elizabeth Bourgine.
The BBC One’s hit crime drama Death in Paradise, produced by Red Planet Pictures, has been re-commissioned for two more series following its eighth successful run.
Ardal O’Hanlon will return to head up the Saint Marie police team as lead detective DI Jack Mooney alongside Tobi Bakare (Officer JP Hooper), Shyko Amos (Officer Ruby Patterson), Don Warrington (Commissioner Selwyn Patterson) and Elizabeth Bourgine (Catherine Bordey).
Aude Legastelois becomes a new series regular, DS Madeleine Dumas, following her debut in the last two episodes of series eight. Joining the Honoré Police, Madeleine will aid Jack, JP and Ruby in cracking the mind-boggling murders on the island.
Aude Legastelois said: “I’m thrilled that I’ve been given the opportunity to continue my role as Madeleine and to rejoin the cast of Death in Paradise. I can’t wait for Madeleine to be fully integrated into the Honoré Police team and for the viewers to get to know her further.”
Since launching in 2011, Death in Paradise remains one of television’s highest-rating dramas. Series eight got off to a fantastic start on Thursday 10 January, with episode one pulling in 8.9 million consolidated viewers.
The ninth and tenth series were commissioned for BBC One by Charlotte Moore, Director of Content, and Piers Wenger, Controller of Drama Commissioning. Tim Key will continue to executive produce for Red Planet Pictures and Tommy Bulfin for the BBC. Death in Paradise is a Red Planet Pictures production, produced with the support of the region of Guadeloupe.
Tim Key, Executive Producer, Red Planet Pictures, said: “We’re over the moon with the response to series eight and can’t wait to get back to Guadeloupe to start filming the new series. It’s an honour to be part of a show which is so loved by its audience and the decision to commission two series shows how much it is valued by the BBC. We’re excited to let the audience get to know our new characters better whilst also throwing some major surprises into the mix along the way – and of course solving the odd murder or sixteen.”
Tommy Bulfin, BBC Executive Producer and Drama Commissioning Editor for Northern Ireland, added: “We are delighted to announce that Death in Paradise is coming back to BBC One. The show is a jewel in our roster of top drama and we are thrilled that it’s returning.”
Filmed on the French-Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, the ninth series of the award-winning drama will continue to keep audiences guessing with ingenious mysteries, cunningly clever plot twists and a star-studded array of guest cast.
Fans can catch up on series eight now on @BBCiPlayer.