First-look pictures of Don Gilet (Sherwood, EastEnders, The Beekeeper, Shetland) as Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson – the new lead detective in ratings-smash crime drama Death in Paradise – have been released by the BBC and Red Planet Pictures.
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 says: “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.
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. 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, arriving on BBC iPlayer and BBC One on Friday 22 November.
Death in Paradise is a Red Planet Pictures production for the BBC made with the support of the region of Guadeloupe and internationally distributed by BBC Studios. The feature-length Christmas special and 2025 series will be executive produced by Tim Key and Amy Rodriguez for Red Planet Pictures and Danielle Scott-Haughton for the BBC, and series produced by Sue Howells.
All series of Death in Paradise are available to watch now on BBC iPlayer
SJP