Death in Paradise fans may be surprised to learn that two of the show's stars are in a real-life relationship. Don Gilet, who plays Detective Mervin Wilson, is romantically involved with actress Siobhan Finneran, best known for her role in Happy Valley. Finneran is set to make a guest appearance in the upcoming 15th season of the BBC drama.
The couple first met while working on the ITV crime drama The Loch in 2017, where Finneran played DCI Lauren Quigley and Gilet portrayed forensic psychologist Blake Albrighton. Their professional relationship turned romantic around a year later, in 2018. Despite their relationship, the pair live separately, with Finneran based in Saddleworth and Gilet in north London.
Finneran will appear in the episode airing Monday, February 16, on BBC One at 9pm, alongside guest stars Aneurin Hughes and Ben Willbond. The episode was originally scheduled for Friday, February 13, but was moved due to football coverage.
Discussing their collaboration on Death in Paradise, Gilet joked on This Morning that Finneran had anticipated a proposal from him on set. He added: 'No, but she loved doing it, it was great working with her. She's come a long way. There's something about the way she acts now, there's a confidence to her. She gets more work now.'
Finneran has previously spoken about their living arrangements, telling The Times: 'That's just the way it is, isn't it? That's how it's always been. And he's out of the country for seven months a year doing Death in Paradise anyway.' She added: 'We are both off the telly. Other than that we're pretty normal.'
The couple confirmed their relationship after being spotted together at the TV Choice Awards. Finneran later referred to Gilet as 'my fella' in an interview with The Guardian.
