In just a few days, viewers can look forward to the much-anticipated return of “Death in Paradise” with a Christmas Special, which the BBC promises will come with “even more heart.” This festive episode is set to bring back the show’s beloved cast to the picturesque island of Saint Marie, where holiday cheer quickly gives way to mystery and intrigue.

The special, airing on December 28 at 8:30 p.m. on BBC One, centers around an office Christmas party that turns sinister. The BBC hints at the drama by revealing that four coworkers wake up from a night of revelry only to find a stranger’s body floating in the villa’s pool, the apparent victim of a shooting.

Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson leads the investigation, and while the team manages to identify the murder weapon, they are stumped by a peculiar twist: the weapon was locked away in a drawer miles from the crime scene when the murder occurred.

This hour-and-a-half-long special also marks the return of several familiar faces from the series. The 14th season wrapped up earlier this year, leaving fans anxious about the fate of Don Warrington’s character, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson. As the holiday special approaches, viewers are eager to see how the mysteries of Saint Marie will unfold once again.

Set to air for around one hour and 30 minutes, the festive special will see the return of some familiar faces. Earlier this year, the 14th season came to an end as fans became concerned over Don Warrington’s character Commissioner Selwyn Patterson.

The star became a fan favourite on the show after 14 years, so viewers were undoubtedly devastated when he left back in March. In the last series of Death in Paradise, Selwyn chose to depart from Saint Marie after losing his position as the Commissioner. Despite being offered the role again, he declined.

However, viewers will have to remain patient to discover if the Commissioner makes a return… especially as he made an appearance in the Christmas special of Beyond Paradise.

But who is Don Warrington and is he married? Here’s what we know about the star’s current relationship…

Yes, Don Warrington is happily married and has been for a number of years.

The Death in Paradise star is currently married to Mary Maddocks, with the two enjoying several decades of married life.

Don tends to keep his relationship private, with their exact wedding date unknown, however, his family life continues to go strong away from the screen.

His wife Mary has herself appeared in several iconic productions including ITV’s Coronation Street as well as Doctor Who and Midsomer Murders.

She has also helmed many theatrical productions from musicals to dramas, as well as taking centre stage in the hit musical The Rocky Horror Show.

Both Don and Mary have two children Jacob and Archie, both paving their way in the entertainment world.

As a playwright and comedian, Archie has been involved in creating the 2023 thriller Gassed Up as well as the TV series Intergalactic, gaining full support from his parents.

It was previously reported that Archie paid homage to his parents as he said: “Both my parents are actors. My mum, Mary Maddocks, is an actress: she was in The Rocky Horror Show when it was in the West End and my dad is Don Warrington.

“The main thing I get from both of them is they understand the art of performance and the need to perform.”