Don Gilet, known for roles in Sherwood, EastEnders, and The Beekeeper, has been revealed as the new lead detective in the BBC crime drama Death in Paradise. He will portray Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson, who arrives on the fictional island of Saint Marie from London.
The BBC and Red Planet Pictures have released first-look images of Gilet in character. His debut will occur in a feature-length Christmas special on BBC iPlayer and BBC One later this year, ahead of a full new series in 2025. The storyline hints that Wilson may have an ulterior motive for his visit to the island.
Gilet expressed his excitement about joining the series, stating: “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...”
Filming for the Christmas special and the new series has concluded in Guadeloupe. Returning regulars include Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, Élizabeth Bourgine, and Danny John-Jules. The series, now entering its fourteenth year, continues to be a hit with audiences, combining sun-soaked escapism with intricate murder mysteries.
The Death in Paradise franchise has expanded globally, with spin-off Beyond Paradise and a new Australia-set series, Return to Paradise, arriving on BBC iPlayer and BBC One on 22 November. The show is produced by Red Planet Pictures for the BBC, with support from the region of Guadeloupe.
