The BBC has announced that the comedy-drama TV series Death In Paradise has been recommissioned for a further two series and two Christmas specials.
The announcement comes as filming for the next season of the long-running show, which first aired in 2011, began on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe.
Set on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie, Death In Paradise follows a British detective as they try to solve a complicated murder mystery.
The 16th season of the hit show will see EastEnders’ Don Gilet, Rising Damp’s Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson and Shaquille Ali-Yebuah return as their much-loved characters DI Mervin Wilson, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, DS Naomi Thomas and officer Sebastian Rose, respectively.
Catherine Garton will also return as Sergeant Mattie Fletcher and Elizabeth Bourgine will reprise her role as Catherine Bordey.
Guest stars will be announced in due course, the BBC said.
Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, said: “Death In Paradise is a global phenomenon and we are incredibly proud to have it on the BBC, where it goes from strength to strength.
“It’s with great pleasure that we share the news that we’ll be returning to Saint Marie for two more sun-soaked series and Christmas specials.”
Tim Key, executive producer, Red Planet Pictures, said: “We remain incredibly proud of the show and the team that makes it, and delighted that the audience continue to love it as much as we do.
“The response to our latest series has been wonderful and we can’t wait to get started again – we’ve got something very special lined up to kick off our 16th season, with a big surprise setting it up in our Christmas special. Watch this space…”
The success of the show – which is enjoyed by audiences in 230 territories worldwide – has led to a number of spinoffs including Beyond Paradise and Return To Paradise.
Death In Paradise is made by Red Planet Pictures for BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
