Death in Paradise Casts New Lead Detective

Don Gilet (Sherwood, EastEnders) has been cast as the new lead detective in the BBC crime drama Death in Paradise.

Making his debut in a feature-length Christmas special later this year before a brand-new season 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. Filming has commenced.

Red Planet Pictures produces Death in Paradise, while distributor BBC Studios has licensed the show to over 230 territories across the globe.

Gilet commented: “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!”

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, added: “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 U.K.’s most exciting actors. Death in Paradise is in brilliant hands—roll on Christmas!”