viewers were left stunned after an ITV detective made a guest appearance in the latest episode of the BBC drama.

Tala Gouveia, who played DCI Lauren McDonald in ITV's McDonald and Dodds, appeared in Death in Paradise, but as a murder suspect. Tala worked alongside Jason Watkins, who played DS Dodds before the series got cancelled.

An spokesperson confirmed the show's end, stating that the fourth season didn't reach the required ratings for a new series. However, fans saw a different side to the actress as in Death in Paradise, she played the ex-girlfriend of the murder victim, Kelly Herbert.

The episode saw Mervin Wilson (played by Don Gilet) and the team solving the murder of 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, viewers were left distracted by Tala's appearance and took to social media to share their excitement, with one writing: "OMG LAUREN MCDONALD EPISODE!!!! #DeathInParadise."

"Yay, I like her," someone else wrote, while a third added: "One of the detectives in McDonald and Dodds, I think she's on the wrong side of the law."

Another went on: "She was so good in McDonald and Dodds."

Someone else said: "Is she the actress from McDonald and Dodds? She is great, they should bring her on as a regular character."

"She's brilliant in McDonald and Dodds, I wish there were more of those," one agreed.

Elsewhere in the episode, Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) prepared to say goodbye to his colleagues as his replacement prepared to take over.

Catherine (Elizabeth Bourgine) informed Selwyn's colleagues that his replacement, Sterling Fox, would arrive the following day. "So, has Selwyn told you about what is happening tomorrow?" she asked to which Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackon) stated: "No."

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."

In the episode's conclusion, Selwyn bid farewell to the station and heartfeltly wished his successor good luck.

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