Death in Paradise viewers have been left perplexed by a change to the programme that was implemented on its 100th episode.
The popular BBC crime comedy-drama returned to our screens on Sunday night, following DI Neville Parker (Ralf Little) as he investigated the tragic killing of Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington).
However, many were perplexed by the blockbuster’s new Sunday night timeslots, with some claiming they preferred Death in Paradise when it aired on weekdays.
On X Trevor Lambert made the case, explaining: ‘#DeathInParadise is perfect TV for January and February to lift the winter blues. But it should be shown during the week not Sunday night, for similar reasons.’
Calling the schedule change ‘weird’, Jodie Portugal complained: ‘#deathinparadise on a sunday this feels weird but hi watch crew, you all good.’
Agreeing, Michelle Birkby added: ‘It’s weird to have #DeathInParadise on Sunday. I’m used to coming home after a terrible day at work, curling up and losing myself in the sunshine.’
However, other viewers disagreed and called Death in Paradise’s new Sunday slot a ‘great way to end the weekend.’
Account Vegas UK said: ‘Didn’t think I would like it being on our screens on a Sunday rather than midweek, but hearing that music, I realised it’s a great way to end the weekend. #deathinparadise.’
In the thirteenth season, Marlon Pryce (Tahj Miles) confronts his future, DS Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson) goes on a double date with Trainee Officer Darlene Curtis (Ginny Holder), and Catherine Bordey (Elizabeth Bourgine) becomes involved in a murder case when an old friend becomes a suspect.
It’s weird to have #DeathInParadise on Sunday. I’m used to coming home after a terrible day at work, curling up and losing myself in the sunshine
— Michelle Birkby (@michelleeb) February 4, 2024
#deathinparadise
on a sunday
this feels weird
but hi watch crew, you all good— jodie portugal (@JodiePortugal) February 4, 2024
Sunday night #DeathInParadise eh…? pic.twitter.com/Sya1EBxeCl
— 𝕄𝕣 𝔼𝕕 💫 (@gerainted) February 4, 2024
What going on?! #DeathInParadise on Sunday?! Have I accidentally bimbled into a parallel universe?!
— James Cunnington (@jamescunnington) February 4, 2024
#DeathInParadise is perfect TV for January and February to lift the winter blues.
But it should be shown during the week not Sunday night, for similar reasons.
Yeah, I know. IPlayer.
— Trevor Lambert #SaveTheBBC (@TrevorMLambert) February 4, 2024
https://twitter.com/HM_Sapere_Aude/status/1754260520100675850
Didn’t think I would like it being on our screens on a Sunday rather than midweek, but hearing that music, I realised it’s a great way to end the weekend. #deathinparadise
— Vegas (@vegas_uk) February 4, 2024
Hayley Mills, who played twins Sharon and Susan in the 1961 classic The Parent Trap, will make a cameo appearance in Death in Paradise.
The 77-year-old actress received an Oscar and a Bafta nomination for her work in Disney’s Pollyanna.
Even Ralf acknowledged to feeling a little’starstruck’ when Hayley came on set, but praised his co-star for being down to earth.
He exclaimed: ‘And oh my God, Oscar winner Hayley Mills! She’s the one person I got starstruck by and had to get a photo with, she was just glorious.
‘She’s been at the top of the film industry. She won an Oscar when she was a kid, “Whistle Down the Wind” is one of my favourite films of all time.
‘With somebody who has that reputation and experience, it wouldn’t be outside the realms of possibility for her to be diva-ish, difficult, demanding, but she was the most gentle, professional, sweet, fun, funny, gregarious person… just the dream! A living legend of the industry.’
The Death In Paradise world has expanded, including an epic crossover with Beyond Paradise. Producers have teased future seasons of the spin-off.
Creator Tony Jordan recently said: ‘This isn’t an experiment! We have tried to create a show that will deliver to the audience and get the same feeling as Death in Paradise. They are completely different worlds, but they are feel good television and I don’t think there is enough of that. I think there is so much crime drama of missing babies, dead teenagers, people hanging from trees and all sorts!
‘I like shows like Death in Paradise where the family all sit together and I love it. Death in Paradise, 9pm on a Friday, you think “oh quick sit down!”. I hope that we’ll get the same thing with Beyond Paradise.
Death in Paradise premiered on the BBC in 2011 and starred Kris Marshall from Love Actually, Ben Miller, Ardal O’Hanlon, and Ralf in the key role.
Death in Paradise continues on BBC One and iPlayer on Sunday.