BBC releases first look at Don Gilet as Death in Paradise’s new lead, DI Mervin Wilson

The BBC and Red Planet Pictures have released the first images of Don Gilet (Sherwood, EastEnders, The Beekeeper, Shetland) as Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson – the new lead detective in the huge ratings success crime drama Death in Paradise.

Later this year, ahead of a brand new series in 2025, Mervin makes his highly anticipated debut in the feature-length Christmas special Death in Paradise, arriving on the idyllic island of Saint Marie from his home in London. While working on a case after a short trip, the team realizes that Mervin may have an ulterior motive for being on the island…

Don Gilet said: “I am delighted to have returned to the wonderful island of Guadeloupe and this time to step into the well-trodden shoes of Detective Inspector. It was a real joy to film such a popular series with the hard-working cast and crew. I can’t wait for fans to see how DI Mervin Wilson fares on the island, how he fits into the Saint Marie police team and what secrets come to light…”

Filming for the Christmas special and new series has completed in Guadeloupe, where Death in Paradise regulars Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, Élizabeth Bourgine and Danny John-Jules will also return.

Offering the perfect cocktail of sun-drenched escapism, shimmering seas and clear blue skies, the detective drama enters its fourteenth year on BBC iPlayer and BBC One seats with its popular combination of great crime thrillers and plot twists that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

BBC Studios, which distributes the series, has now licensed Death in Paradise in over 230 territories around the world. After the successful launch of the spin-off series “Beyond Paradise” last year, the Death in Paradise franchise has expanded its international success with the new spin-off series “Return to Paradise” for ABC – Return to Paradise, which will be released in Australia Plays and appears on BBC iPlayer and BBC One Friday November 22nd.

Death in Paradise is a Red Planet Pictures production for the BBC, created with support from the Guadeloupe region and distributed internationally 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. The series is produced by Sue Howells.

All series of Death in Paradise are now available to watch on BBC iPlayer

SJP