BBC Death in Paradise favourite pays tribute to 'inspiration' co-star as duo return

Death in Paradise's Danny John-Jules has expressed his heartfelt admiration for his on-screen father, Ram John Holder, as they make a much-anticipated return to the beloved BBC series.

The festive special, set to air on December 22, will see the reunion of Danny's character, Dwayne Myers, with his father, Nelson, stirring excitement among fans.

Dwayne made a memorable appearance in the final episode of the latest Death in Paradise series, bidding farewell to Neville Parker (Ralf Little) and Florence Cassell (Josephine Jobert) as they embarked on a new chapter together.

Nelson, Dwayne's father, has been absent from the show for some time after the pair left to travel the world. Yet, with their return, viewers are left wondering about Nelson's fate, especially since Dwayne once hinted at his father's ill health.

Danny John-Jules expressed his excitement about returning to the show for the Christmas special, saying,: "It's pretty much like walking out your front door for me," reports the Mirror.

He reminisced about his long history with the show, stating: "I first went there fourteen years ago, and I filmed seven series. After seven years, it was pretty much like being at home."

The actor also lavished praise on his on-screen dad, calling him an "inspiration" and reflecting on their past collaboration.

"I first worked with Ram John Holder in 1985 in a musical at the Donmar Warehouse," Danny recalled before expressing his awe: "He'd always been a big inspiration of mine.

"He's an actor, singer... He's just one of those guys. And he's 90?! It's like getting to work with Laurence Olivier."

Danny revealed that Officer Myers "is a bit of a changed man" in the upcoming series, stating: "He's all about family these days. Whereas before he was very self-centred, chasing women three times an episode and so on. And then, he got his heart broken by the girl that tamed him.

"Everybody goes back home to Mummy and Daddy after that, don't they? He's Dwayne. He's human. Let's just say that the plans that he and Nelson had for this Christmas don't exactly go to plan.."

The Christmas episode will also introduce Saint Marie's newest detective - Mervin Wilson (portrayed by Don Gilet).

The synopsis for the Christmas special hints: "When holidaymaker Stuart Fullwell (Marcus Brigstocke), fresh from performing karaoke dressed as Santa, is found dead on the beach by a young boy Ollie - son of Jamie (Jim Howick) - the Saint Marie police team kick into action.

"With the pressure mounting, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) is relieved to discover that a British detective is holidaying on the island. Following a somewhat disappointing solo trip, DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) is aboard a flight back home to London ready to take off, when he is informed by his boss that he needs to stay on Saint Marie - whether he likes it or not..

"Reluctantly extending his stay, Mervin is thrown in at the deep end following the report of a second Santa shooting, this time that of celebrity songwriter Tony Hurst (Steven Hartley).

"Eager to get the case cracked and go home, Mervin's disinterest in making pleasantries with DS Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson) and Officer Darlene Curtis (Ginny Holder) does not go unnoticed... The task at hand is made even more difficult as Tyrus DeMille (Michael Salami), also dressed as Santa, reports he was shot at in the woods by a shady figure but managed to make a lucky escape."

The narrative continues: "On learning each Santa was seemingly shot with the exact same gun at the exact same time, the team must link three apparently unconnected victims and try to solve an impossible case, with hotel worker Kenny (Dex Lee), and guests Tabitha (Angela Griffin) and Karla (Elizabeth Carling) all being questioned."

"However, things take a shocking turn at Catherine's (Elizabeth Bourgine) Christmas fair when Mervin is accused by local woman Brianna Clemetson (Joy Richardson) of being the killer, forcing him to reveal to Selwyn his real reason for being on Saint Marie.."

But what could it be?

Death in Paradise returns on December 22nd on BBC One.