Death In Paradise fans go wild as Don Gilet makes debut as new detective Mervin Wilson
Death In Paradise fans have been given their first proper look at the show’s new lead detective, who will join the hugely popular series from the Christmas episode this year, following the departure of Ralf Little’s character, Neville Parker, at the end of the thirteenth season. EastEnders and Sherwood actor Don Gilet will star as Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson, who arrives on the Caribbean island of Saint Marie from his home in London for a holiday, but finds himself roped in to investigating a case while he is there, by special request of police commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington).
Don, who was announced to be taking over the role back in May, has spoken about how happy he is to be joining the tropical murder mystery series, which he has appeared in once before, as a murderer in an episode back in 2015. “I am delighted to have returned to the wonderful island of Guadeloupe and this time to be stepping into the well-worn shoes of the Detective Inspector. It’s been a real pleasure filming such a beloved series alongside the hardworking cast and crew. I can’t wait for the fans to see how DI Mervin Wilson fares on the island, how he fits within the Saint Marie police team and what secrets may unfold..."
Fans are counting the days until Don makes his first appearance, with one writing: "I cannot wait to watch this," while another commented on the new detective's attire, saying: "The hat is definitely a choice but aside from that he looks pretty good."
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Filming has now been completed on both the Christmas episode and the 14th series of the show, and during production this summer, Don found himself mobbed by fans wanting to pose with him while on set. One woman posted her photo with Don and wrote as part of her caption: “Hard work for everyone. 35 degrees Celsius in the shadow. Everybody, I mean really everybody of the crew I've met is kind.” Another fan wrote about meeting the new star of the show. He wrote: “Met the new inspector today, What a nice person he is.”
When he won the role, Don spoke about "a deeply loved and incredibly precious jewel" that had been placed in his hands. "This is a big show," continued Don. "With a big heart and the love continually grows for it. It is my intention to never lose sight of that and to remain grateful, humbled and dedicated. Even during those testing times when every sinew is screaming at me to run off the set and dive into the sea, swimming pool or an ice-cold beer – whichever happens to be closer at the time!"
The new series also features the return of beloved stars including Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, Elizabeth Bourgine and Danny John-Jules.
