Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise fan-favourite breaks silence over “emotional” exit on the BBC crime series
"I loved her deeply."
Beloved Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise star Ginny Holder has spoken out about her emotional exit just days after the news was announced.
Taking to Instagram, the Darlene Curtis actor posted a tribute to her time on the show following her recent departure news.
“Thank you so much to the BBC and Red Planet Pictures for giving me the absolute gift of playing Darlene,” said Holder. “I loved her deeply, and saying goodbye to her has been far more emotional than I ever expected – I really do miss her.”
The fan-favourite actor went on to praise her fellow co-stars saying: “Thank you to the incredible cast and crew of Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise — such a talented, kind, and joyful group of people. Working alongside you all has been a privilege and a pleasure, and I’ll cherish those memories forever.
“And a very special thank you to James Hall for writing such an amazing character. Darlene truly lifted straight off the page, and I’m so grateful to have been her voice.”
Holder exits the BBC crime series after seven years on the show, leaving fans broken-hearted.
“Can’t believe you won’t be returning,” said one viewer in her comment section. “You have truly been awesome, Ginny! No one cheered louder when Selwyn (Don Warrington) asked Darlene to join the Saint Marie [team].”
Another commented: “I’m beyond saddened you’re not gonna be there. Your Beauty, Sass and Energy are Awesome! Hoping you’re just starting something new I can watch.”
Holder also shared her gratitude for her fans and the longstanding dedication and love they showed to Darlene.
“The biggest thank you to the fans. Your love and support for Darlene has meant the world to me. Being nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the TV Times Awards was honestly so humbling, and I’m beyond grateful. Big love to you all, you’ve made this journey unforgettable.”
It’s unclear yet how the BBC drama will wrap Darlene’s character arc in the upcoming season 15 or if she’ll get an official on-screen send-off.
Her absence does, however, make room for new recruit Sergeant Mattie Fletcher (Catherine Garton), whose haunting past makes her transition into the Saint Marie force anything but seamless.
Garton’s arrival was announced in an Instagram collaboration post between herself and the official Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise account, which was captioned: “It’s almost time to return to Saint Marie!
“We’ll be welcoming back Don Gilet, Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Shaquille Ali-Yebuah and Élizabeth Bourgine… and newcomer Catherine Garton as Sergeant Mattie Fletcher!”
