Sara Martins' Death in Paradise Exit Explained – Camille Bordey's Unmatched Legacy

BBC One’s Death in Paradise is back, captivating audiences once again with its signature blend of mystery and sun-soaked drama. With the arrival of Detective Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) and rookie officer Sebastian Rose (Shaquille Ali-Yebuah), the ever-evolving cast keeps viewers on their toes. But amidst these changes, one name continues to dominate fan discussions—Camille Bordey.

Camille Bordey’s Journey – From Undercover Investigator to Fan Favorite

Over the years, Death in Paradise has welcomed and bid farewell to numerous characters, but few departures have resonated as deeply as that of Camille Bordey. Initially introduced as an undercover investigator whose cover was blown during DI Richard Poole’s (Ben Miller) tenure, Camille was reassigned to Honoré Police, quickly becoming an indispensable part of the team. Her sharp wit, fearless approach, and undeniable chemistry with her colleagues made her an instant favorite.

However, in Season 4, Camille took on a new challenge—an undercover assignment in Paris. Her departure left fans heartbroken, and even years later, her absence is still felt.

Sara Martins’ Exit – A Tough but Necessary Decision

Sara Martins, the talented actress behind Camille Bordey, admitted that leaving the show was an incredibly tough decision. Speaking to What’s On TV?, she explained, “The only way to grow in life is to take risks, even if it means losing something you love or leaving a place that’s comfortable. You should always move forward and take on new challenges.”

While her departure was bittersweet, she emphasized that the showrunners wanted to give Camille a proper send-off without resorting to an abrupt or tragic exit. “They didn’t want to kill me off—there was no reason to. And who knows? There’s always the possibility I can come back.”

The Return of Camille – Twice the Surprise!

And come back she did! Camille made a triumphant return not once, but twice—first in the 10th season and again in the 13th. These brief but impactful appearances reignited fan nostalgia, proving just how beloved her character remains.

However, Martins did admit there were aspects of the role she was happy to leave behind. “Twelve-hour days, then going home to learn lines in English. That, and the sound of the cockerels. I won’t miss that.”

Since leaving Death in Paradise, the French-Portuguese actress has taken on exciting new projects, including roles in American Odyssey and Those About to Die.

Camille Bordey – A Character Fans Still Can’t Forget

The Death in Paradise fandom has long debated their top characters, and Camille consistently ranks among the best. In numerous Reddit discussions, she has secured a top-two spot, often being named the best character outside of the lead detective role.

One passionate fan, Wonderful_Citron_518, confessed, “I stopped watching after Camille left, couldn’t stand Humphrey.”

Another, PerceptionTemporary9, shared, “I’m rewatching the series, and she really is the best.”

Pebbles28c added, “I loved that she spoke her mind and had great ideas. She wasn’t just there to prop up the Inspector—she challenged him. The others after her didn’t have that same spark.”

Meanwhile, Fivezero_ca summed it up perfectly: “By far my fave! She was such a great and funny actress. Always hoped they might bring her back as a DI one day.”

Will Camille Ever Return Again?

With her character left alive and still deeply loved by fans, the door remains open for another Camille Bordey comeback. Could we see her return to Saint Marie in the future? Only time will tell.

For now, Death in Paradise continues to keep audiences entertained, airing Fridays at 9 PM on BBC One.

FAQ

1. Why did Sara Martins leave Death in Paradise?
Sara Martins wanted to explore new opportunities and challenge herself as an actress. She felt that taking risks was essential for growth.

2. Did Camille Bordey ever return to the show?
Yes! Camille made a comeback in both Season 10 and Season 13, delighting longtime fans.

3. What has Sara Martins done since leaving the show?
Since her departure, she has appeared in projects like American Odyssey and Those About to Die.

4. Will Camille Bordey return again?
While there’s no official confirmation, Sara Martins has expressed openness to reprising her role in the future.