Death in Paradise: EastEnders star Don Gilet named as new lead detective by BBC after Ralf Little exit

The speculation is finally over, Death in Paradise has named its new lead detective taking over from Ralf Little - and it’s a familiar face.

EastEnders star Don Gilet will be taking up the post as detective inspector Mervin Wilson in the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie. Gilet is taking over from Ralf Little, who left his role as DI Neville Parker in the latest season finale.

Speaking about saying goodbye to Saint Marie in an interview with BBC Breakfast in April, the 44-year-old actor explained that in his heart he would have continued starring as Parker, adding that he’d have “wanted to do it for 20 more years”.

Who is the new Death in Paradise lead detective?

Don Gilet has been named as the new Death in Paradise lead detective, the actor who is best known for his role as the villainous Lucas Johnson in the soap EastEnders, joins a long list of well-known stars to play the role, including Father Ted star Ardal O’Hanlon and Bridgerton actor Ben Miller.

Taking over from Ralf Little who left the series in the latest season finale, his character, DI Mervin Wilson will travel to the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie from London and will be not “overly pleased with his new surroundings”.

Speaking about taking on the role 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.”

He continued: “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.”

Adding: “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.”

Little congratulated Gilet in a video on Instagram, where he said he hopes that it is the “most magical experience”. Adding: “I wish you the best of luck. I’m absolutely sure you’re going to be magnificent.”

Gilet has starred in Death in Paradise before, making a guest appearance in season 4 alongside Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman. Filming for season 14 has started already, with a Christmas special in the works and the next series expected to drop in 2025.

Tim Key, executive producer for Red Planet Pictures, said: “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, said: “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.”

It’s even better news for Death in Paradise fans as spin-off series Beyond Paradise has just been renewed for a third season and a Christmas special, whilst it was announced in April that a brand new spin-off was in the works, set in Australia with Home and Away’s Anna Samson playing the first ever female lead detective.

Sarah McCann is a Trends Writer for NationalWorld who specialises in stories around TV, Film and Health. If you liked this article you can follow Sarah on X (Twitter) here. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.