Don Gilet has been pictured for the first time in Death In Paradise as the lead detective, Mervin Wilson.
The former EastEnders star, 57, will make his debut in a feature-length 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 he may have an ulterior motive for being on the island.
Excited for fans to see what’s in store, Don said: ‘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.
Don Gilet has been pictured for the first time as Death In Paradise’s lead detective, Mervin Wilson
The former EastEnders star, 57, will make his debut in a feature-length Christmas special later this year, before a brand-new series in 2025
‘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…’
Don has taken over the role from Ralf Little, who played Neville Parker for four years.
Announcing the news earlier this year, the official Death Of Paradise Instagram account shared: ‘We’ve got some really exciting news… there’s a new detective in Saint Marie!
‘Please give a very warm welcome to Don Gilet who will play DI Mervin Wilson!’
And Ralf was quick to send his support to the star as he replied: ‘Have a wonderful time Don! It’s a magical experience.’
Ralf’s character DI Neville Parker said farewell to the island of Saint Marie at the end of March – leaving viewers in tears.
His departure came as a shock to fans, with the BBC only confirming the actor had left the show after the finale aired.
Excited for fans to see what’s in store, Don said: ‘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’
Don has taken over the role from Ralf Little, who played Neville Parker for four years (pictured Ralf in Death In Paradise)
As the official Death Of Paradise Instagram account announced the news earlier this year, Ralf was quick to send his support
Speaking about his exit on BBC Breakfast last month, the star admitted he had always planned for this series to be his last and felt he had to walk away for the sake of his character.
He told hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt: ‘You know, this last series was always going to be my last series. I spoke to the BBC and Red Planet, the production company, and we all agreed.’
‘If it was just a heart decision I would have wanted to do it for 20 more years.
‘But just for the show and for my character Neville it just sort of felt like his story was finished and his journey deserved to be completed. He deserved a happy ending and it just felt right.’
As Ralf passes the torch to Don, the latter said: ‘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.
Speaking about his exit on BBC Breakfast, Ralf admitted he had always planned for this series to be his last and felt he had to walk away for the sake of his character
Fans were confused by the choice after Don first appeared on the show in 2015 – when Kris Marshall was the detective – playing a murderer who killed the owner of a rum distillery during a séance
‘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!’
However, Death In Paradise fans have been left feeling confused with the decision to cast Don as he has already starred in the series in a different role.
Don first appeared on the show in 2015 – when Kris Marshall was the detective – playing a murderer who killed the owner of a rum distillery during a seance.
Eagle-eyed fans took to X – formerly Twitter – to share their confusion as Don now returns as a detective.
Previous episodes of Death In Paradise are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.