Death in Paradise's Sara Martins' exit explained as fans beg for Camille Bordey as DI
BBC One's Death in Paradise is back on our screens, featuring Detective Mervin Wilson (portrayed by Don Gilet) as he begins to settle into life on Saint Marie. The latest series also introduces Sebastian Rose (played by Shaquille Ali-Yebuah) as a rookie officer.
Over the years, the show has seen many characters come and go, including Camille Bordey, a former undercover investigator who was reassigned to Honoré Police after her cover was blown during DI Richard Poole's (Ben Miller) initial investigation. She remained a key character until the fourth season when she accepted an undercover role in Paris.
Actress Sara Martins described her decision to leave the show as "tremendously hard", but necessary for personal growth. Speaking to What's On TV?, she said: "The only way to grow in life is to take risks, even if it means losing something you love, or leaving a place that's comfortable. You should always go forward and take new challenges."
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She added that while her character wasn't killed off, leaving the door open for a potential return: "We wanted to make the best exit, and they didn't want to kill me off, there was no reason to. And who knows? There's always the possibility I can come back."
The actress made a comeback to the show not once, but twice – returning in season 10 and again in season 13. Reflecting on aspects of the series she wouldn't miss, she mentioned: "Those 12-hour days, and then having to go home afterwards and learn lines in English. Sometimes, being away from home can be tough too. And also I won't miss the sound of the cockerels."
It seems her departure from the series was a choice to seek new challenges, and the French star indeed succeeded, securing roles in productions such as American Odyssey and Those About to Die.
Devotees of the programme took their discussions to Reddit, where they debated their top 10 most cherished characters, placing Camille firmly within the upper ranks more than once. Her role was even voted the best character outside of the lead detective.
Wonderful_Citron_518 divulged: "I stopped watching after Camille left, couldn't stand Humphrey."
PerceptionTemporary9 expressed: "I'm rewatching the series and she really is the best."
Meanwhile, Pebbles28c remarked: "I like that she spoke her mind and had great ideas. She pushed back if she disagreed. I feel the others after her were just there to prop up the Inspector. I like them all (or most), but Camille is, by far, my favorite."
Echoing these sentiments, Fivezero_ca said: "By far my fave! She was such a great and funny actor, too. I like to pay attention to her even when she's in the background of a scene. Always hoped they might bring her back as a DI one day."
Death in Paradise airs Friday nights on BBC One at 9pm.
