Steve Pemberton joins Death in Paradise

Steve Pemberton, and Nina Wadia are to guest star in \'Death in Paradise\'.

The \'Happy Valley\' star and the former \'EastEnders\' actress will appear in the ninth series of the crime drama, which will see Ralf Little take on the new lead detective role when the murder mystery show returns to BBC One early next year.

Steve said: "\'Death In Paradise\' is such a well-loved and established show and it was a pleasure to be part of series nine.

"The cast and crew were brilliant and with the bonus of filming in Guadeloupe with my old pal Ralf, it was an opportunity that I couldn\'t miss."

Nina added: "It\'s been wonderful playing Anna, who in having to start her life over, rediscovers herself whilst unexpectedly finding romance on the island.

"I laughed my way through it all; how could I not with that fantastic cast?"

Adrian Edmondson, Chanel Cresswell, Samantha Bond, Nell Hudson, Jade Anouka, Samuel West and Javone Prince will also guest star in the series, as will Alexander Vlahos, who particularly enjoyed teaming up with Ardal O\'Hanlon.

The \'Versailles\' star said: "I\'m thrilled to have been invited to be part of this wonderful series.

"I had an absolutely joyous time on the island, working with Ardal and the rest of the team. I can\'t wait to see the episode."

The guest stars will join series regulars Ardal, Aude Legastelois, Tobi Bakare, Shyko Amos, Elizabeth Bourgine and Don Warrington.

Tim Key, executive producer of \'Death in Paradise\', which is shot in the French-Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, said: "Our casting director, Sacha Green, has really excelled this year, delivering one of the strongest guest casts we\'ve ever had.

"It\'s wonderful to see how enthusiastic everyone is when they join the \'Death in Paradise\' family - it feels like a real badge of honour.

"I can\'t wait to share the results of everyone\'s hard work with our audience next year."

Other guest stars include Louise Brealey, Matt King, Clare Hope-Ashitey, Elliot Cowan, Amanda Hale, Alexandra Roach, Adrian Bower, Michael Obiora, Sam Troughton, Ellen Thomas, Peter De Jersey, Kadiff Kirwan, Andi Osho and Barbara Flynn.