Don Gilet is has been confirmed as the new lead detective of the hit BBC show Death In Paradise.
The British actor, known for his role as the villainous Lucas Johnson in the soap EastEnders, will play detective inspector Mervin Wilson.
His character will travel to the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie from London and will be not “overly pleased with his new surroundings”.
He takes over from Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps and The Royle Family star Ralf Little.
There's a new detective in Saint Marie!
— Death in Paradise (@deathinparadise) May 2, 2024
Please give a very warm welcome to Don Gilet who will play DI Mervin Wilson!☀️ pic.twitter.com/MRMU9ydKNo
EastEnders Don Gilet to lead Death In Paradise
Gilet said: “Being offered the new lead role in Death In Paradise feels like a deeply loved and incredibly precious jewel has been placed in my hands.
“This is a big show, 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.”
He has also starred in Holby City, Silent Witness, Doctor Who, Shetland and The Stranger.
Gilet made a guest appearance in series four Death In Paradise episode Stab In The Dark as Andre Morgan when Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman was the lead detective on the island.
Tim Key, Executive Producer for Red Planet Pictures, says: “Don is an amazing actor and we’re delighted that he’s joining us as the show enters another exciting new era. We’ve got huge plans for
the new series and beyond, and I can’t wait for the audience to meet Mervin and to see what we’ve got in store...”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, says: “We could not be happier to welcome Don to the series. Already known to BBC viewers from the likes of Sherwood, EastEnders, and Doctor Who, he’s long been one of the UK’s most exciting actors. Death in Paradise is in brilliant hands - roll on Christmas!”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel