BLAST from the bast

SHANTOL JACKSON on Naomi's unexpected encounter with an ex, and why she loves life in Saint Marie

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DEATH IN PARADISE FRIDAY, 9PM, BBC1 DRAMA

It’s a typically chilly February morning when Shantol Jackson joins TV Times for an exclusive chat during her recent visit to the UK – and the Death in Paradise favourite admits the temperature here is a far cry from that of her home life in sun-soaked Jamaica.

‘I love London – the city is so beautiful at night, and there’s so much to do,’ smiles the actor, 32, who has played Sergeant-turned-DS Naomi Thomas in the BBC1 show since 2022. ‘But the cold is the only thing I don’t like!’

Weather woes aside, Shantol can’t wait to give us her take on the current 14th run of the hit whodunnit, especially this week’s fifth instalment, which places her character at the heart of the action.

The drama unfolds after a star women’s football player is fatally shot during a match on the (fictional) Caribbean island of Saint Marie – and the referee, Emmanuel Warner (Three Little Birds actor Bobby Gordon), happens to be Naomi’s ex-boyfriend!

As the investigation unfolds, the normally unflappable detective is clearly distracted. Could there be unfinished business between them?

Here, Shantol tells us more…

Naomi’s personal life hasn’t been explored much before now. Were you excited when you heard about this plot line?

I’ve been lobbying for more personal stories. Every week, we solve crimes and then we go and have a drink. But who are these people outside of the police station?