Death in Paradise newcomer Don Gilet joined the long-running show during the 2024 Christmas special as DI Mervin Wilson. The actor is now the sun-soaked show’s lead detective, replacing Ralf Little, who starred as Detective Inspector Neville Parker.
Although it isn’t the first time the actor has joined the established cast on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, standing in for the fictional St Marie. He first appeared on the show in 2015 in a bit-part alongside then-lead Kris Marshal, who played DI Humphrey Goodman. Despite this, the former EastEnders star revealed he has forbidden his family, including his 18-year-old son, from visiting the island while in production.
Since his return, leading the cast, Gilet shared that he’s making it clear how seriously he’s taking his new role and imposing strict personal restrictions.
Despite living only two minutes from one of Guadeloupe’s idyllic beaches, the actor has forbidden himself from going for a swim.
The 57-year-old has also barred his father, his sister, and his grown-up son from visiting the island paradise, despite their expectations of an invitation.
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He told Radio Times that he eliminated all day-to-day distractions that could interfere with the “time you study the script so that you know it inside out.”
Despite the tough decision, Gilet is adamant about impressing bosses and proving to those who cast him that they won’t “regret the choice they made”.
He also hasn’t regretted the choice, as the actor enthused: “It’s been a real pleasure filming such a beloved series alongside the hardworking cast and crew.”
This comes after Gilet confirmed that filming for season 15 will commence in April during a recent appearance on ITV’s Lorraine alongside his co-star Shantol Jackson.
On his eventual return to Guadalupe, he said: “Unfortunately, it is about April time, end of April.”
When his co-star, Jackson, asked why returning to the sunshine is unfortunate, Gilet laughed and said that he “just meant for the people I am going to leave”.