BBC Death in Paradise Star Shantol Jackson’s Candid Confession About Filming Challenges

 BBC Death in Paradise Star Shantol Jackson’s Candid Confession About Filming Challenges

Death in Paradise has captivated fans for years with its sunny Caribbean setting and thrilling mysteries, but for the actors, life behind the scenes isn’t always paradise. Shantol Jackson, who portrays Naomi Thomas in the hit BBC show, has opened up about the sacrifices she’s made, particularly when it comes to love and relationships. Her latest revelations have sparked discussions among fans about the demanding nature of filming overseas.

Shantol Jackson’s Honest Take on Love and Career

Shantol Jackson has been a fan-favorite since joining Death in Paradise in 2011, bringing depth and charm to her role. However, as the show nears its highly anticipated Season 14 finale, Jackson has shared a personal struggle—balancing her successful career with her love life.

“It is a long time to be away, and that makes having a partner quite difficult. I’m hoping to work on that this year,” she admitted in a recent interview.

The Jamaican actress also touched on the topic of starting a family, acknowledging the pressures that come with it. “We have biological clocks, so we need to get the ball rolling when it comes to that,” she shared, reflecting on how her career commitments impact her personal timeline.

The Challenge of Maintaining Relationships While Filming Abroad

Being part of Death in Paradise requires extensive time away from home, as filming primarily takes place in Guadeloupe. For Jackson, this reality presents obstacles when it comes to dating and long-term relationships.

“You need to find someone who understands your lifestyle. When you're there, you're there; you can’t leave. It has to be somebody who can hop over now and then, who understands that this is my life and can handle something that is a bit difficult,” she explained.

Will Shantol Jackson Try Online Dating?

With her busy schedule, could dating apps be the answer? When asked about platforms like Tinder, Jackson remained open to the idea but admitted she hasn’t tried it yet. “I haven’t been on Tinder. It’s tricky, but I’ve seen people do it, so I know it can be done,” she shared, hinting at the possibility of exploring digital romance.

The Cost of Filming Abroad: A Struggle Many Actors Face

Jackson isn’t the only Death in Paradise star who has spoken out about the difficulties of filming overseas. Former lead Kris Marshall, who played DI Humphrey Goodman, previously stepped away from the show to focus on family life. In 2017, he revealed how the long-distance arrangement took a toll on his wife, Hannah Dodkin, and their newborn daughter.

“Skyping isn’t the same and just leaves me bereft, really,” Marshall shared, recalling the emotional strain of being away. Despite making exhausting 16-hour trips every six weeks to visit his family, he ultimately decided to step back from the role.

Now, Marshall has returned to familiar territory, reprising his role in the spin-off series Beyond Paradise, which films in the UK, allowing him to be closer to his loved ones.

Fans React to Jackson’s Revelation

Since Jackson’s candid admission, fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts. Many expressed admiration for her dedication, while others sympathized with the difficulties of balancing career and personal life.

“I love Shantol in Death in Paradise! I hope she finds a way to balance both,” one fan tweeted.

“Filming abroad seems glamorous, but it’s got to be hard on relationships. Wishing her all the best!” another commented.

What’s Next for Shantol Jackson?

With Death in Paradise Season 14 wrapping up, fans are eager to see what’s next for Jackson. Will she return for another season, or will she take a break to focus on her personal life? While nothing has been confirmed, her openness about wanting to prioritize relationships suggests she may be considering new opportunities.

Regardless of what the future holds, one thing is certain—Shantol Jackson remains a beloved part of the Death in Paradise family. Whether she’s solving crimes on screen or navigating personal challenges off-screen, her fans will be cheering her on every step of the way.

Conclusion

The life of a Death in Paradise star isn’t always as sunny as it appears on screen. For Shantol Jackson, the challenges of filming away from home have made personal relationships difficult, but she remains hopeful about the future. Her candidness about these struggles resonates with fans and highlights the real-life sacrifices actors make for their craft.

As Jackson continues her journey, fans will be eagerly watching—both for her next move in Death in Paradise and in her personal life.

FAQs

1. How long has Shantol Jackson been on Death in Paradise?
She joined the show in 2011 as Naomi Thomas and has been a fan-favorite ever since.

2. Why does filming Death in Paradise make relationships difficult?
The show is filmed in Guadeloupe, requiring actors to spend long periods away from home, making it challenging to maintain relationships.

3. Has Shantol Jackson considered online dating?
She hasn’t tried it yet but is open to the idea.

4. Why did Kris Marshall leave Death in Paradise?
He left to focus on his family, as the long filming schedule was difficult for his personal life.

5. Will Shantol Jackson return for Season 15?
There’s no official confirmation yet, but fans are eagerly awaiting news about her future on the show.