Don Gilet announced as Death in Paradise’s new lead detective
The BBC and Red Planet Pictures have revealed that Don Gilet (Sherwood, EastEnders, The Beekeeper, Shetland) will be the new lead detective in ratings-smash crime drama Death in Paradise.
Making his debut in a feature-length Christmas special later this year, before a brand-new series in 2025, Gilet will play Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson - who arrives on the idyllic island of Saint Marie from London, and isn’t overly pleased with his new surroundings…
Gilet has recently begun filming in Guadeloupe, alongside returning Death in Paradise regulars Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, Élizabeth Bourgine and Danny John-Jules.
Don Gilet says: “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!”
