Don Gilet arrives in Saint Marie

First-look pictures of Don Gilet as Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson…

The former Sherwood, EastEnders, The Beekeeper and Shetland performer is the new lead detective in crime drama Death in Paradise – and today images have been released by BBC and Red Planet Pictures showing his ‘arrival’ to the crime island.

Making his much-anticipated debut in the feature-length Death in Paradise Christmas special later this year, before a brand-new series in 2025, Mervin arrives on the idyllic isle of Saint Marie from his home in London. While assisting with a case following a short trip, the team discover Mervin may have an ulterior motive for being on the island…

Don Gilet:

“I am delighted to have returned to the wonderful island of Guadeloupe and this time to be stepping into the well-worn shoes of the Detective Inspector. It’s been a real pleasure filming such a beloved series alongside the hardworking cast and crew. I can’t wait for the fans to see how DI Mervin Wilson fares on the island, how he fits within the Saint Marie police team and what secrets may unfold…”

Filming on the Christmas special and new series has wrapped in Guadeloupe, which will also see Death in Paradise regulars Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, Élizabeth Bourgine and Danny John-Jules all returning.

Don Gilet as Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson.

Don Gilet as Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson.

Offering the perfect cocktail of sun-soaked escapism, shimmering seas and clear blue skies, the detective drama enters its fourteenth year on BBC iPlayer and BBC One, with its much-loved combination of magnificent murder mysteries and plot twists which leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

BBC Studios, who distribute the series, have now licensed Death in Paradise to over 230 territories across the globe including on BritBox in North America and in Australia. Following the successful launch of spin-off series Beyond Paradise last year, the Death in Paradise franchise has built on its international success with new Australia-set spin-off series for the ABC – Return to Paradise, airing later this year on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.

All series of Death in Paradise are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

In other BBC Studios news Studio D at BBC Elstree closed for the final time last week. The studios, built by ATV in the 1950s, are to be demolished and rebuilt as part of a redevelopment by new owners AXA.

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