Don Gilet announced as Death in Paradise’s new lead detective

Don will make his debut as D.I. Mervin Wilson this Christmas, before his first full series next year

Don will make his debut as D.I. Mervin Wilson this Christmas, before his first full series next year

This grand spectacle is not only filled with immense scale but also overflowing with genuine warmth and affection. It is my steadfast commitment to always cherish these aspects and to nurture the ever-expanding love it receives. I aspire to never lose sight of its significance and to approach it with gratitude, humility, and unwavering dedication.

— Don Gilet

The BBC and Red Planet Pictures have announced that Don Gilet (known for his roles in "Sherwood," "EastEnders," "The Beekeeper," and "Shetland") will take on the lead detective role in the popular crime drama "Death in Paradise."

Set to debut in a feature-length Christmas special later this year, followed by a new series in 2025, Gilet will portray Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson. Wilson, hailing from London, finds himself on the picturesque island of Saint Marie, though he's far from thrilled about his new surroundings.

Filming has already commenced in Guadeloupe, with Gilet joining returning "Death in Paradise" regulars Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, Élizabeth Bourgine, and Danny John-Jules.

Expressing his excitement, Gilet remarked, "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!"

Don will make his debut as D.I. Mervin Wilson this Christmas, before his first full series next year (Image: Philippe Virapin)

Tim Key, Executive Producer at Red Planet Pictures, expresses his enthusiasm, stating, "Don is an exceptional actor, and we're thrilled to have him join us as the show embarks on another exciting chapter. We have ambitious plans for the new series and beyond, and I'm eager for the audience to meet Mervin and discover the surprises we have in store."

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, extends a warm welcome to Don, remarking, "We're absolutely delighted to have Don join the series. With his notable roles in BBC productions such as 'Sherwood,' 'EastEnders,' and 'Doctor Who,' he has long been regarded as one of the UK's most dynamic actors. Death in Paradise is in excellent hands - we eagerly anticipate the Christmas special!"

As the detective drama enters its fourteenth year on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, it continues to captivate audiences with its winning formula of gripping murder mysteries and tantalizing plot twists, set against the backdrop of sun-drenched locales and azure skies.

BBC Studios, the series distributor, has expanded Death in Paradise's global footprint to over 230 territories worldwide. Building on the success of last year's spin-off series, "Beyond Paradise," the franchise is set to launch a new spin-off titled "Return to Paradise," set in Australia and airing later this year on the BBC and ABC in Australia.

Produced by Red Planet Pictures for the BBC, with support from the region of Guadeloupe, Death in Paradise is internationally distributed by BBC Studios. The upcoming feature-length Christmas special and 2025 series will be overseen by Executive Producers Tim Key and Amy Rodriguez from Red Planet Pictures, along with Danielle Scott-Haughton from the BBC. Series production will be handled by Sue Howells. All episodes of Death in Paradise are available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.