DEATH IN PARADISE star Josephine Jobert could be adding the sunshine of LA to the sunshine of the Caribbean.
But the friendly French actress says Hollywood temptations will hopefully not mean a farewell to the BBC’s hit detective show which starts a new series this week.
Paris-based Josephine was already famous in her homeland but her first English language role has put her on the radar in America, where the show is also screened.
“I’ve been in America the past two years and it’s very weird being recognised,” Josephine told iN10.
“I’m working on it and maybe next year I’ll go there to do things. If I do, then hopefully I can do both.
“Of course I want to do the next series of Death In Paradise – I wish I could do everything.”
Josephine plays Detective Sergeant Florence Cassell in the Guadeloupe-filmed series. She took over four years ago from Sara Martins who had been the local detective alongside the Brit coppers, played by Ben Miller and then Kris Marshall.
“The first series was stressful,” admits Josephine, whose cousin is Eva Green, Bond Girl Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale.
“It was my first time acting in English and I was taking over from Sara. It was a big challenge for me to take her place and to make people love me.
“Now I feel much more confident and that I belong to the island. I wake up in the morning and I know what I have to do.
“I know my character and I know the people. It’s much more pleasurable after four years.”
Kris left at the end of the last series, with former Father Ted favourite Ardal O’Hanlan replacing him as the new copper cracking seemingly-impossible cases.
His departure involved his character finding love in London while Ardal’s DI Jack Mooney wanted to leave the UK. And Josephine says the cast changes over the seven years haven’t impacted on the success.
“It’s a big deal when a main character leaves but it’s always been handled well,” says Josephine.
“And it’s more about the story, the murder and the guest actors.”
It’s also, on the cold winter evenings it’s screened here in Britain, about the spectacular scenery and sunshine of fictional Saint-Marie.
Having worked on French shows in the area, Josephine had already had a taste of the blistering heat, often well over 100 degrees.
She’s thankful for Florence’s shorts and skimpy tops but says the steamy heat takes its toll.
“My make-up artist goes crazy as I get so sweaty,” says Josephine. “She has to try and take care of my hair – which goes so curly.
“But we can’t complain because on weekends off we can enjoy the heat and the island.”
While the island cops have had to get used to a new detective, Josephine has had to get used to a new leading man.
“I love Ardal but sometimes his accent is so difficult for me,” laughs Josephine.
“When he talks he can see in my eyes I’m struggling to understand.”
Death In Paradise, BBC1, Thursday, 9pm
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