Death in Paradise's Tobi Bakare, known for his role as JP Hooper, is set to make a dramatic comeback to the beloved series tonight, much to the delight of eager fans. JP had previously departed Saint Marie with his family after a promotion within the police force.
The sergeant has confirmed his return for a single episode, sparking speculation among viewers about whether he might become a permanent fixture once again. The new series will also introduce as the lead detective, DI Mervin Wilson, stepping into the shoes left by Ralf Little's DI Neville Parker.
In a chat with Express.co.uk and other media before the premiere, Tobi opened up about his decision to reprise his role and the possibility of joining the Death in Paradise spin-off Beyond Paradise, which could potentially reunite him with Kris Marshall.
Tobi and Kris, who portrays DI Humphrey Goodman in Beyond Paradise, had previously shared the screen in Death in Paradise before both characters bowed out. Kris later returned to his role for the spin-off, which is filmed in the picturesque settings of Devon and Cornwall.
Hinting at his potential involvement in Beyond Paradise, Tobi remarked: "The spin-off of Death in Paradise... the franchise of Death in Paradise has been so interesting, I was like, 'Wow, this is some Marvel stuff'," reports .
"Look for me, Red Planet, the production company that runs this whole thing, I just have deep respect for them. They're just a very good production company, and I'll always have my ear open to suggestions, and if it makes sense for myself, my family, my career, and all things align, then yeah, you might see me in Cornwall with my shorts on."
When Tobi was quizzed about his eagerness to reprise his role as JP, he shared, "It was the fact that I was around the season before; I had a little episode in the season before.
"I always say, you know when a storyline makes sense, an actor serves a story, and as much as the proximity between the two episodes, this one and the previous one, I thought was a bit much."
He openly admitted, "You know, as an actor, sometimes you can get insecure and kind of go, 'I don't want people to think I'm just like trying to eat off Death in Paradise so much, I want to show them I've moved on'."
Tobi concluded, "But to be honest with you, as I said, the show is phenomenal. Tim [Key] is phenomenal. The storyline is great, and Death in Paradise is home. It's a second home for me, so it's always going to be a privilege to be asked to come back. It just had to make a bit of sense, and it made sense, and I was like, 'Yeah, let's do this'."
Tonight's series teaser has fans on the edge of their seats, hinting: "As the sun beats down on the shimmering sea, we're transported back to the sun-drenched Caribbean island of Saint Marie, and this time with a new Detective Inspector in tow; but will DI Mervin Wilson remain in the job for long?
"Following the recently cracked case of 'Who shot the Santas?', along with the revelation that his estranged mother has recently passed away, Mervin is ready to get back home and leave the island for good. But when a case close to the hearts of those at the station presents itself, he may be tempted to extend his stay.
"A Londoner through and through, Mervin continues to ruffle feathers but swiftly proves his worth and shows hints of a more vulnerable side to his hardened exterior while working with the team to help solve some of the island's most confounding cases yet."
The summary goes on: "Meanwhile, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson must deal with momentous news from the Chief Commissioner in Jamaica; Naomi finds herself at a crossroads when an old flame reappears in her life; Darlene becomes a mentor when a new officer joins the ranks; and in her role as Mayor, Catherine must work to defend Selwyn and the team; and with the opportunity to learn more about his mother's life, Mervin begins to discover things may not be all that they seem in Saint Marie.."
Death in Paradise returns tonight at 9pm on BBC One.
