Death in Paradise: EastEnders star Don Gilet named new lead detective
Don Gilet, who starred in EastEnders in the past, will now be the main detective in the popular BBC show, Death in Paradise, which takes place on the peaceful island of Saint Marie.
The British performer, who gained notoriety as the wicked Lucas Johnson in the TV show EastEnders, will undertake the role of Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson. He expressed that it is like receiving a valuable and special treasure.
In 2023, Death in Paradise was the second most popular show among TV drama enthusiasts, pulling in a staggering 8.3 million viewers.
Gilet is all set to make his very first appearance in this year's Christmas special.
According to Gilet, this event is grand in scale, it is full of compassion and the affection for it only continues to increase.
The invitation to take on the lead role in Death in Paradise is similar to receiving a cherished and highly valuable gem, which is being placed in my possession.
Gilet has started shooting in Guadeloupe and expressed his intention to stay appreciative, modest, and focused on the show.
"Even in challenging situations when my body is urging me to escape from the filming location and jump into the ocean, swimming pool, or grab a refreshing beer - whatever is in proximity!"
The crime-inspired story will be showcased in its 14th season on BBC One in the year 2025, featuring magnificent oceans and warm sandy coastlines as its scenery.
The press release for the show has announced that DI Wilson, played by Gilet, is making his way from London to the made-up island of Saint Marie. However, the character is described as not having a fondness for his new location.
He has been appointed as the main investigator after DI Neville Parker, played by Ralf Little, left the show. He will be the fifth lead detective for the series, with other actors such as Ben Miller, Kris Marshall and Ardal O'Hanlon assuming the position.
The actor who is 57 years of age has already been on the show before as a different character. This happened during the fourth series when DI Humphrey Goodman was still the leading detective on the island.
Gilet has also appeared in several popular TV shows, including Holby City, Silent Witness, Doctor Who, Shetland, and The Stranger.
Death in Paradise, a television series created by Red Planet Pictures, has been sold to more than 230 countries by BBC Studios. After the achievement of Beyond Paradise, a spin-off series released in the previous year, the makers of the show declared that another spin-off called Return to Paradise would be produced, with the story happening in Australia this time.
