Who is the new detective on Death in Paradise? Don Gilet and where you know him from
The new Death in Paradise actor might look familiar 🔎
- Death in Paradise starts a new era tonight (December 22).
- Don Gilet joins the cast as the lead detective after Ralf Little’s departure.
- He will play Mervin Wilson - but has already appeared in the show.
A new detective is joining the cast of Death in Paradise but he might be more familiar than you expect. Don Gilet will make his debut as Mervin Wilson in the Christmas Special tonight (December 22) but he has appeared on the show before.
The ex-EastEnders star actually appeared in an episode of the show almost a decade ago, which may help you at a pub quiz this Christmas. He is back and playing the role of the new lead detective in Saint Marie - following the departure of Ralf Little’s Neville Parker earlier in 2024.
If you don’t recognise him from Death in Paradise, he might still ring a bell. Here’s all you need to know:
Who plays the new detective on Death in Paradise?
Former Holby City and EastEnders star Don Gilet is the next actor to take the lead role on Death in Paradise. He will play DI Mervin Wilson who makes his debut in the 2024 Christmas Special tonight (December 22).
Speaking about the role, Don said: “I'm sure it won't be a surprise to say that it was both exciting and terrifying in equal measure. I liken it to one of those scary rides at a theme park. I'm going on it, and I know it's going to be scary, but I'm going to do it.
“You’re daring yourself. Then you sit in the seat going, “What have I just let myself in for?!” But it was exciting because I knew I was embarking on this new journey.”
Where do you recognise him from?
Eagle-eyed Death in Paradise viewers may actually find the new detective more than a little familiar. Don Gilet actually has appeared on the BBC show once before, appearing in an episode in 2015 alongside Kris Marshall playing a character called Andre Morgan.
Beyond that he is best known for his roles as Lucas Johnson on EastEnders, appearing in a number of spells between 2008 and 2024, and Jesse Law on Holby City. He also played DS Nicky Cole in 55 Degrees North from 2004 to 2005.
Why did Ralf Little leave Death in Paradise?
After four years in the lead role on the BBC drama, Ralf Little left the show in March of this year. He had played DI Neville Parker from series 9 through to series 13, having taken over for Ardal O’Hanlon in 2020.
Appearing on BBC Breakfast after his final episode, Ralf explained his decision to leave the show Hello! Magazine reports. He said: “You know, this last series was always going to be my last series. I spoke to the BBC and Red Planet, the production company, and we all agreed.
“If it was just a heart decision I would have wanted to do it for 20 more years. But just for the show and for my character Neville it just sort of felt like his story was finished and his journey deserved to be completed. He deserved a happy ending and it just felt right.”
What are you most excited to watch on the TV this Christmas? Let me know your picks by email: [email protected].