Death in Paradise's Tobi Bakare shares real reason for exit from BBC show as he returns

Death in Paradise fnas 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 making their way back to Saint Marie after leaving in 2021. Performer Tobi Bakare, who played JP Hooper on the enduring BBC drama for seven years, chose to step away from the role.

Viewers of the BBC favourite watched the beloved character's departure after Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) presented him with an opportunity elsewhere.

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Taking up the fresh role, JP moved his family and departed at the end of series 10. The performer revealed that he sensed his stint on the programme was coming to an end three years before his character bid farewell to Saint Marie.

He told RadioTimes that the realisation struck him during filming for series seven whilst in a church.

He explained: "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 this 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."

Tahj's character was introduced in season 10, and despite some initial friction with JP, they eventually formed a strong bond.

However, it remains uncertain how their relationship will evolve upon JP's return. Fans were overjoyed by the news, as revealed on Death in Paradise's official Instagram, with comments flooding in.

One thrilled viewer exclaimed: "So nice to see Tobi back, loved his character," while another expressed: "I miss you JP!" A fan posted: "OMG I hope we get JP for more than one episode!" With another remarking: "Hope JP is back to stay!"

Another wrote: "Yayyy! Would LOVE to have JP back for several episodes," and another simply enthused: "Ahhhh JP is back!"

Seasons one to 14 of Death in Paradise are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.