Don Gilet is introduced as the brand new lead in Death In Paradise
Don Gilet is set to put his detective hat on as he has been announced as the new lead in crime drama Death In Paradise.
The actor, 57, will make his debut in a feature-length Christmas special later this year, before a brand-new series in 2025.
Don will play Detective Inspector Mervin WiIson – who arrives on the idyllic island of Saint Marie from London, and isn’t overly pleased with his new surroundings.
The star, who is also known for appearing in EastEnders and Sherwood, has begun filming in Guadeloupe, alongside Death in Paradise regulars Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, Élizabeth Bourgine and Danny John-Jules.
Don 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.
Don Gilet is set to put his detective hat on as he has been announced as the new lead in crime drama Death In Paradise
It comes after former show lead Ralf Little , 44, quit the lead role in Death In Paradise after five years with a final appearance in March’s series 13 finale
‘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.
‘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!’
Tim Key, Executive Producer for Red Planet Pictures, added: ‘Don is an amazing actor and we’re delighted that he’s joining us as the show enters another exciting new era.
‘We’ve got huge plans for the new series and beyond, and I can’t wait for the audience to meet Mervin and to see what we’ve got in store.’
It comes after former show lead Ralf Little, 44, quit the lead role in Death In Paradise after five years with a final appearance in March’s series 13 finale.
In a video posted to his Instagram following the show Ralf posted a long message to his fans as he said that it was an ‘absolute privilege’ to play DI Neville Parker.
He said: ‘So, there you have it! The secret’s out! My time on Saint Marie has come to an end. But, what an end!
‘New adventures await Neville and he got to sail off into the sunset with his best friend, and, you know, who knows what happens for them next! I just want to say, just an enormous thank you to everyone who watched and supported the show.
Don 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’
The actor will make his debut in a feature-length Christmas special later this year, before a brand-new series in 2025
‘When I arrived, four-and-a-half years ago, I knew I had big shoes to fill. Coming into a series beloved by millions, including me, was a huge responsibility.
‘I had no idea if viewers would take to my interpretation of Neville’s character and indeed to me, so it was quite a relief the response has been overwhelming.
‘It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to bring Neville Parker to all of you and to share his really quite profound journey with you. I can’t thank you all enough for the support over the last four-and-a-half years and as Neville heads off for new challenges and adventures and I head off for new challenges and adventures.’
He continued: ‘When I look back at the time I spent on Death In Paradise, the way everyone took Neville into their hearts, it really has been one of the most magical and profound experiences of my entire life. If it wasn’t for all of you, I’d have never of got to do it. So thank you, so so much!
In a video posted to his Instagram following the show Ralf posted a long message to his fans as he said that it was an ‘absolute privilege’ to play DI Neville Parker
‘What next for the show? Well, I couldn’t even tell you if I did know but I don’t! I don’t know! But what I do know is that the team that makes it, the producers, the writers, directors, all the crew, guest cast and of course my absolutely magnificent co-stars.
‘They know what they’re doing and the future is in good hands! So I’ll be watching series 14 along with you guys with the same excitement you all will. I can’t wait to see what happens next!’
The actor recently insisted he had no idea who his successor would be.
In a recent Q&A session on Instagram he revealed: ‘I have honestly no idea and they haven’t told me, maybe they had no idea yet.
‘Like the rest of you, I’ll also be eagerly waiting to find out who’s next. No idea. But we’ll see what happens.’
