In a recent episode of Death in Paradise, long-standing character Selwyn Patterson (portrayed by Don Warrington) introduced his successor, much to the dismay of fans.

The instalment saw DI Mervin Wilson (played by Don Gilet) and the Saint Marie police force grappling with another murder case, this time involving a serial dater killed at his villa. The victim was awaiting a woman he'd met on an app when their video call was interrupted by an intruder.

However, the presence of a bullet in the victim's hand left Mervin puzzled. Meanwhile, Selwyn was preparing for his departure, packing up his office. "Selwyn, don't tell me this is it?" Catherine asked as the Commissioner began loading boxes into his car.

Selwyn responded: "I am doing a handover with the gentleman who will be overseeing things after me, and I am on gardening leave for the rest of the week, and then I am gone," reports .

Catherine expressed her shock, saying, "It is all happening too quickly," to which Selwyn replied, "Enjoy the rest of your weekend."

Later in the episode, Catherine informed Selwyn's colleagues that his replacement would arrive the following day. "So, has Selwyn told you about what is happening tomorrow?" she asked Naomi, who appeared confused.

Catherine continued: "I had a feeling he hadn't. The person taking over from him arrives. They are doing the handover, after he will be gone."

She added, "I think tonight, it is his way of saying goodbye to the job and to his team."

The episode's conclusion saw Selwyn bid farewell to the station, extending his best wishes to his successor with a heartfelt "good luck".

Viewers were left scratching their heads over Selwyn's replacement, sparking debate as to why a new character was being introduced when his position was supposedly being phased out. One perplexed fan queried, "Selwyn is leaving because they are doing away with his position, then why is a replacement being written in?".

Tributes poured in for the departing Commissioner, with one viewer lamenting, "Going to miss the Commissioner."

Another expressed disbelief: "Surely #DeathInParadise can't get rid of Selwyn."

The sentiment was echoed by another fan who was clearly upset, "So gutted, how can they actually replace Selwyn?" which prompted agreement from others, including one who concurred with a simple "Agreed."

Death in Paradise returns next Friday at 9pm on BBC One.