Don Gilet, a former EastEnders actor, will assume the role of the new lead detective in the acclaimed BBC series Death in Paradise.
Gilet, best known for his portrayal of the villainous Lucas Johnson in EastEnders, will play the character of Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson in the show’s upcoming 14th series and Christmas special.
Since its debut in 2011, Death in Paradise, a detective drama, has captivated audiences with its stunning backdrop of the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie. The show’s popularity has only grown over the years, with its 2023 season being the second most watched drama, attracting an impressive 8.3 million viewers.
Gilet expressed his excitement and gratitude for being offered this prestigious role, stating, “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 also acknowledged the show’s significant following and the love it receives from its dedicated fans.
Despite the challenges that come with filming in a tropical location, Gilet remains committed to delivering his best performance. “Even during those testing times when every sinew is screaming at me to run off the set and dive into the sea, a swimming pool or an ice-cold beer—whichever happens to be closer at the time!” he joked.
Gilet will introduce DI Mervin Wilson, a London-based detective who arrives on the island of Saint Marie. According to the show’s press release, DI Wilson is not initially thrilled with his new surroundings, which will likely add an interesting dynamic to the series.
The actor takes over the lead role from Ralf Little, who portrayed DI Neville Parker in the previous seasons. Gilet becomes the fifth lead detective in the series, following in the footsteps of esteemed actors such as Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, and Ardal O’Hanlon.
Interestingly, this is not Gilet’s first appearance on Death in Paradise. The 57-year-old actor previously guest-starred in the show’s fourth series as a different character when Kris Marshall’s DI Humphrey Goodman was the lead detective.
The Information is Taken from AOL and The Independent
