Death in Paradise fans will be pleased to see a familiar face back on their screens as Tobi Bakare makes a return to the long-running BBC series
Monde Mwitumwa TV and Celebrity Reporter
18:30, 14 Jul 2025
Death in Paradise fans were thrilled when the programme returned to BBC for a fresh series, showcasing familiar faces alongside newcomer DI Mervin Wilson (played by Don Gilet).
Nevertheless, there’s a recognisable character returning to Saint Marie after leaving in 2021. Tobi Bakare, who played JP Hooper on the enduring BBC drama for seven years, chose to depart the series.
Viewers of the popular BBC show saw the beloved character leave after Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) presented him with an opportunity elsewhere.
Taking up the new role, JP moved his family and departed at the end of series 10. The actor revealed he sensed his stint on the programme was coming to an end three years before his character bid farewell to Saint Marie.
Speaking to Radio Times, he explained that this realisation struck him during filming for series seven whilst in a church.
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He said “The preacher mentioned seven years in a message. As soon as he mentioned seven years, I don’t know what happened. It just clicked.
“It was like a moment of realisation. I had three more years left. It was three more years until it would be seven years, but it just hit me so hard. At this time, my wife was in the UK, and I told her that I know when it’s going to be time for me to leave the show.
“But I wanted her to go away, pray about it, and think about it. She’d done so, and called me up the next day, and said, ‘2020’. So the exact time of the seven years. So we were like, ‘Yeah, that’s the time.’ That’s the actual reason.”
Although Tobi revealed to co-star Tahj Miles, who portrays Officer Marlon Pryce, their on-screen partnership almost made him reconsider his decision to leave.
He admitted: “You were the one that created the conflict in between me leaving because we found the flow.”
JP Hooper returns to Saint Marie
Tahj’s character was introduced in season 10, and despite some initial clashes with JP, their friendship ultimately found resolution.
However, it remains to be seen how their dynamic will play out upon JP’s return. Fans were ecstatic about the news, as announced on Death in Paradise’s official Instagram, with comments pouring in.
One enthusiastic viewer exclaimed: “So nice to see Tobi back, loved his character,” while another shared: “I miss you JP!”
A fan posted: “OMG I hope we get JP for more than one episode!! ” with someone else commenting: “Hope JP is back to stay! ” Another wrote: “Yayyy! Would LOVE to have JP back for several episodes,” and another fan simply enthused: “Ahhhh JP is back!”
Seasons one to 14 of Death in Paradise are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.