Death in Paradise fans amazed at fact about show’s new lead actor

22 hours ago

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Death in Paradise - Figure 1 — Photo The Independent

Death in Paradise made its comeback to BBC TV on Sunday with a festive special, featuring Don Gilet as the new lead detective. He captivated everyone with an interesting fact about himself from real life.

The star from EastEnders and Shetland was revealed in May as the new cast member taking over from Ralf Little, who portrayed DI Neville Parker for four and a half years.

Gilet will take on the role of DI Mervin Wilson, making history as the first Black actor to play the main character in the series, which started in 2011.

The popular drama takes place on the imaginary Caribbean island of Saint Marie, where a British detective inspector and his local police team work together to unravel murder cases that disturb the peace of the island.

Gilet, known for his roles in several BBC TV series such as Holby City, Casualty, and Doctor Who, began his professional acting career in 1993. Many new fans are surprised to learn that he will be turning 58 next month.

"Are you serious? Don Gilet is 57? No way that's true," exclaimed a shocked fan of Death in Paradise.

One more viewer mentioned, “I just looked up Don Gilet since he's playing Marvin Wilson in #DeathInParadise, and it turns out we have the same birthday (though I'm a little younger). Plus, he really doesn't look like someone who's turning 58 next month!”

One person joked, "Just so you know, Don Gilet is 57 years old, everyone."

Another fan spoke passionately about Gilet's journey in the industry but pointed out the challenging road he faces: "No matter what unfolds, we should recognize Don Gilet's contributions. He’s an experienced actor who has truly earned his place, but taking on a role in a show that’s been running for 13 years, especially as the fifth Inspector, is quite intimidating."

In a three-star review of the Christmas special in The Independent, critic Ed Power expressed that “Gilet is a fantastic new character for the show.” He noted that “his calm, irritable nature reminds viewers of the original Death in Paradise officer, Richard Poole, portrayed by the grumbling Ben Miller.”

While Power commended Gilet for his performance, the plot of the episode fell short of expectations.

"The issue with this installment lies in its overly complicated murder storyline. You might be familiar with that meme from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, featuring a frantic Charlie Day in front of a corkboard covered in red strings and notes."

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This Death in Paradise plot gives off a similar vibe, as Wilson, who is on vacation, is requested to postpone his trip back to London to assist the local authorities in looking into the murder of two men, both of whom are dressed as Santa Claus.

Season 14 of Death in Paradise is anticipated to premiere in the upcoming New Year.