Death In Paradise viewers have taken to social media to express mixed reactions following Don Gilet's debut as Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson in the Christmas special. The EastEnders actor, 57, took over from Ralf Little, who played the beloved DI Neville Parker.
In the episode, DI Wilson is on holiday on Saint Marie when Commissioner Patterson recruits him to solve a Father Christmas murder case. While some fans welcomed the new character, others demanded the return of Neville Parker. One viewer tweeted: 'Bring back Neville! Not sure I like this new DI!'
Criticism also focused on Wilson's attitude towards women, with one fan saying: 'Mervin's a bit rude, especially to the ladies!' Another added: 'This dude ain't going to last long if he keeps disrespecting women like that.'
However, not all feedback was negative. Some viewers praised Gilet's performance, with one tweeting: 'Don Gilet is fabulous in Death In Paradise - at last an actor in the role. A proper breath of fresh air.' Another said: 'I love this time of year, not because it's Christmas, but Death In Paradise is back and Don Gilet is a perfect fit.'
Gilet previously appeared in shows such as Hotel Babylon, Holby City, and Sherwood, and played Lucas Johnson in EastEnders. Speaking on The One Show, he described his character as impatient and quick to rub colleagues up the wrong way, but possessing a brilliant mind.
