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A background actor who appeared in Death in Paradise shared their thoughts on working on the popular seriesBBCprogram – including meeting its cast.

Additional performers, sometimes referred to as background actors, are employed in scenes requiring a group of people, typically without dialogue, to enhance the authenticity of the setting.

In 2022, Mike Mitchell and his wife Liz visited Guadeloupe for the first time, the location where the series Death In Paradise is shot — there they came across the show’s production team.

Following this finding, Mike chose to inquire if it was feasible for him and Liz to work as background actors.

He told The Express:I inquired if we could serve as background actors and they responded, ‘Of course you can.’

So we returned four months later and we were background actors. We had the chance to meet all the cast.

This involved Don Warrington, who has portrayed Commissioner Selwyn Patterson since the start of Death in Paradise in 2011.

Mike said, “We have met Don Warrington. Don would used to come and have a drink with us in the hotel bar during the evening.”

He would go to the hotel and have a meal, typically alone, and then he would come to the bar where we were seated. We would sit and drink rum together while sharing tales.

The pair also engaged with Ralf Little,who portrayed DI Neville Parker from 2020 until departing in 2024.

Mike said: “Ralf approached us and stood beside us, saying, ‘Good luck. I hope everything goes smoothly.’”

He offered a lot of support. Afterward, we all engaged in a brief conversation.

The couple traveled to Deshaies on their last day and observed the filming happening outside the famous police station.

In addition to Ralf, they also met Shantol Jackson (DS Naomi Thomas), Ginny Holder (Officer Darlene Curtis), and Tahj Miles (Officer Marlon Pryce).

Among this group, they maintained contact with one specific cast member.

Mike said, “We have remained in contact with Ginny; she still sends us messages these days. They are all very kind individuals.”

They subsequently went back to Guadeloupe for their third visit in 2024, this time meeting the current lead actor Don Gilet (DI Mervin Wilson).

Mike and Liz also encountered Elizabeth Bourgine, who portrays Catherine Bordey in the popular television show.

It arrives as Mike had earlier explained the distinctions between the actual island and what viewers observe on the well-known show.BBC show.

The crime mystery series has been popular since it first premiered in 2011, presenting television audiences with the imaginary island of Saint Marie.

Guadeloupe has experienced a surge in tourism following the show’s consistent millions of viewers in the UK alone.

He said to The Express, “When you visit, you won’t come across street parties or people dancing in the streets, nor will you find spicy food. That’s only specific to Saint Marie, not to Guadeloupe.”

That’s the main distinction between what’s shown on screen and being there in person. Apart from that, everything is exactly as it appears – simply breathtaking.

The program is only recorded for a specific number of months annually, while the island receives visitors throughout the year, allowing them to experience filming spots such as Catherine’s Bar when they are not being used.

Mike first became a fan of Death in Paradise during the lockdown period, and during one of his three visits, the show’s team gave him a tour of some of the filming spots – he and his partner also discovered others ‘by chance’.

Mike mentioned that he has noticed a number of identifiable places such as the Botanical Gardens, the zoo, and a lighthouse featured in the series.

He had the opportunity to visit the location of a murder featured in Death in Paradise, which occurred inside a radio station.

Mike said: “We located the commissioner’s office, which isn’t in Deshaies, but approximately 30 minutes away. We discovered several spots by chance.”

We searched for the radio station and the lighthouse, merely to have an activity on our outing since it’s lovely to see.

The one aspect of Death in Paradise is that there are no tricks or illusions. What appears on the screen is exactly what exists.

Additionally, Mike shared that he has grown so accustomed to the island that he can easily tell when a character is taking the wrong path on the show—and he is aware of the actual time it takes to walk between different locations on the fictional island.

He mentioned that the majority of the filming takes place on the western part of Guadeloupe as well, in line with the show’s paradise title, since the eastern side is swampy and less visually appealing.

Meanwhile, the most recent season featuresNew sergeant Mattie Fletcher, portrayed by Catherine Garton, is added to the police team’s roster.

Before the series began, the actress discussed her new character and expressed her deep affection for Guadeloupe, the real-life setting used for the fictional Saint Marie.

I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, but it surpassed all the expectations I could have imagined. I adore the island. Guadeloupe is like a postcard. It’s truly unbelievable.

Each time I stepped outside, I felt like saying ‘this is real, amazing!’ It’s truly breathtaking. Everyone is friendly. I really enjoy the culture. The food is excellent.

Speaking passionately about her role, Catherine described her as “tenacious”: She’s truly enjoyable to portray.

She’s bold, yet she’s like your older sister who isn’t afraid to speak her mind, but you can also turn to her when you need support.

Death in Paradise is broadcast on BBC One and available on iPlayer.

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