Josephine Jobert has opened up about a potential return to Death In Paradise as she admitted she has 'done her time' on the show and it's 'time to move on'(Image: BBC / Red Planet / Denis Guyenon)

Josephine Jobert rules out return to BBC's Death In Paradise with new detective

Josephine Jobert has opened up about a potential return to Death In Paradise as she admitted she has 'done her time' on the show and it's 'time to move on'

by · DevonLive

Josephine Jobert has dashed hopes for a return to Death In Paradise.

The actress - loved for her portrayal of Florence Cassell in the BBC detective drama - has dashed hopes for a return to the sun-soaked drama. Despite making a comeback for Ralf Little's departure from the series, as his character Neville Parker left the island, Josephine has confirmed her days on the show are over with Don Gilet stepping into the DI role as Mervin Wilson.

The upcoming series also sees the return of familiar faces like Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, Elizabeth Bourgine, and Danny John-Jules.

During an Instagram Q&A, she said: "I had a great time and I made the best out of it. I have amazing memories and met amazing people too. But it's time to move on."

Josephine also acknowledged the pleas for her character's return, expressing that she was "very touched" but firmly added: "I think I can safely say no [I won't be back]. I've already left and come back many times and I've definitely done my time on the show.

"I've finally been able to say goodbye to Florence and I am very grateful to have been part of this project that has brought so many lovely things in my life. I am also happy to be able to move on and take part in new projects."

Florence returned for Neville's exit storyline(Image: BBC)

She added: "But I completely understand why the question is asked. In fact, I am very touched that the public wants to continue following Florence."

The detective drama is set for a new chapter as Don Gilet becomes the lead when it airs again next year.

"Being offered the new lead role in Death in Paradise feels like a deeply loved and incredibly precious jewel has been placed in my hands," he remarked excitedly in a recent statement.

"This is a big show, with a big heart and the love continually grows for it. It is my intention to never lose sight of that and to remain grateful, humbled and dedicated.

"Even during those testing times when every sinew is screaming at me to run off the set and dive into the sea, swimming pool or an ice-cold beer whichever happens to be closer at the time!"

Don Gilet will play the new detective(Image: (Image: BBC))

When Ralf quit Death In Paradise, he admitted he didn't want to go, explaining his heart wanted him to stay but he knew it was right for Neville to make this decision.

"This last series was always going to be my last series, I had talks with the BBC, and with Red Planet, the production company and we all agreed that it just felt... if it was in my heart, like if it was just a heart decision, I'd have wanted to do it for 20 more years," he said.

"But just for the show, and... for my character Neville, it just sort of felt like his story... it deserved to be sort of finished and his sort of journey... sort of deserved to be completed and he deserved a nice happy ending and so it just felt right."

At the time, he was also asked who would be replacing his character and teased it could be a woman.

"I don't see why [it couldn't be a woman]. They have the scope to do anything and the opportunity to do anything, but also, this creative team can do anything because they're so good," he said, "Death in Paradise is in such good hands and they have a gift for making clever choices. Literally nothing would surprise me."

Death in Paradise airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.