Slightly stunned by Sara Martins’ shock exit from Death in Paradise tonight? Well, if you’re looking for answers – look no further, as we’ve got an exclusive interview with Sara about her Death in Paradise departure!

Tonight DS Camille Bordey waved goodbye to the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie, before disappearing into the sunset. Was it important to keep Camille’s shock departure a secret?

“We like to have some big surprises in the show to maintain the audience’s interest! In Death in Paradise we always have a murder at the beginning and dénouement at the end, so it’s important to have collateral surprises with the regular characters in between. Like when Ben Miller’s DI Richard Poole was killed off – that was quite bold! There can only be so many stabbings, shootings and drowning!”

Was it a hard decision to quit BBC’s hit whodunit?

“Yes tremendously hard. I’ve loved everything about the show. But 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 go forward and take new challenges. The unknown is so seducing, although it’s scary!”

You’ve been working on Death in Paradise since 2011, what have been your highlights?

“That’s tricky to answer because there have been so many, every day on set! I’ve loved working with such amazing people. Both the British and local crews are really talented. Being so far away from home, we’re more than just co-workers, we’ve really got to know each other and connect. And when you work on a comedy, work is fun. We’ve had some good times on set.”

What do you think you’ll miss most about the job?

“The joking around and playing of tricks! The scenes were so funny we were all in this kind of mood, so we had a lot of laughs. When you’re with friends, one joke leads to another! I think those vibrations between us came across on screen. I’m going to miss that most of all – and, of course, being in beautiful Guadeloupe.”

That said, what will you not miss about the job?

“Those 12-hour days, and then having to go home afterwards and learn lines in English! Sometimes, being away from home can be tough too. And also I won’t miss the sound of the cockerels!”

You mention Ben Miller’s departure. Did that change the job a lot for you?

“Of course, yes. When I first arrived on the programme I was this French girl guest. The show was really on Ben’s shoulders and I followed him. I’m still really grateful to him for making this the best job. When Ben left I realised it was on me to try and be the locomotive he’d been, as I knew the show’s dynamic, my character, and everyone.”

How easily did Kris Marshall fit into the show?

“Luckily with Kris, he’s a locomotive himself! When he arrived, as the new guy in town, he was under pressure. But he’s so energetic and warm he took his place – very easily and naturally – as leader of the show. It was great because we were really a team.”

When it came to your exit storyline did you want to be killed off like Ben?

“We wanted to make the best exit, and they didn’t want to kill me off – there was no reason to. It was perfect for me because I wanted to say goodbye to Camille and the audience. And who knows, there’s always the possibility I can come back!”

If you missed it, Sara’s final episode is currently available on BBC iPlayer.