Death In Paradise star Élizabeth Bourgine has become a fan favourite, thanks to her vibrant and heartfelt portrayal of Catherine Bordey on the hit BBC show. A celebrated actress credited with more than 60 roles in film and television, long before Élizabeth set foot in Guadeloupe, she'd already become a household name in France – and we've discovered the most stunning unearthed photo from the early days of her career.
And talking of throwbacks, click the video below to see her co-star Ralf Little's first-ever performance on Death In Paradise – and spoiler alert, he's not playing DI Neville Parker!
WATCH: Ralf Little's first role in Death in Paradise before he became Neville Parker
Pictured in January 1984, the gorgeous throwback snap sees Élizabeth posing in Paris for an official portrait. Showing off her incredible physique in an orange velvet leotard and a black tulle skirt, the actress could easily be mistaken for a ballerina!
© Photo: Getty ImagesÉlizabeth Bourgine pictured in Paris, January 1984
Prior to her acting debut, Élizabeth had formerly worked as a dancer and model, after studying at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts. After starring in student films between 1976 and 1977, she eventually landed her breakthrough role as Gin in Nestor Burma, Shock Detective. It was while working on the show, that Elizabeth would meet her future husband – writer and director, Jean-Luc Miesch. Together they share one child.
© Photo: Getty ImagesÉlizabeth had worked as a dancer and model before she made her TV debut
MORE: Meet Death in Paradise star Ralf Little's famous fiancée
READ: Death In Paradise's Don Warrington shows off incredible physique in unearthed photo
While Élizabeth has starred in multiple roles, her performance as Catherine in Death In Paradise has become one of her best-loved, and luckily, it looks like the actress won't be leaving the comedy crime drama for a long time.
© Photo: BBCThe actress has become a fan favourite for her role on Death In Paradise
Joining HELLO! for an exclusive chat, she admitted that she has no plans to leave. "I think Catherine has to stay. She's the heart of the village, you know? Anything can happen and she will be there, she'll see it and put the pieces together," explained Élizabeth. "She loves the people, she loves her island, she can't leave the show!"
The TV star continued: "I love Catherine because she's smart, she's a lady over 50 like you'd dream one to be! She is the mother, she's caring, but she's a sexy woman too, she loves life, she loves men, she loves caring for everybody who has problems… I love her very much."
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