Our First Look at 'Death in Paradise' Season 14 Introduces Don Gilet's New Detective
Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson in "Death in Paradise" Season 14
(Photo: BBC/Red Planet Pictures)
Reinvention happens often in the world of television. Whether for narrative or behind-the-scenes reasons, change is hard-wired into the nature of any long-running series, out of necessity if nothing else. Actors leave, storylines fizzle, platforms shift. Grantchester is in its third Hot Priest era. Miss Scarlet had to change its name when the formerly titular Duke moved to New York. And now Death in Paradise is set to welcome its fifth leading man.
The popular mystery series, set on the sun-drenched shores of the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie will welcome its latest new detective this Christma when former EastEnders star Don Gilet arrives in town.
Gilet will make his debut as new Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson in the forthcoming feature-length Death in Paradise Christmas special, before starring in a full season early next year. DI Wilson will arrive on St. Marie's idyllic shores from his home in London. But while assisting with a case following a short trip, the team discovers that Mervin may have an ulterior motive for being on the island.
"I am delighted to have returned to the wonderful island of Guadeloupe and this time to be stepping into the well-worn shoes of the Detective Inspector. It’s been a real pleasure filming such a beloved series alongside the hardworking cast and crew," Gilet said in a statement. "I can’t wait for the fans to see how DI Mervin Wilson fares on the island, how he fits within the Saint Marie police team, and what secrets may unfold..."
Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson in "Death in Paradise" Season 14
(Photo: BBC/Red Planet Pictures)
Gilet will star alongside returning series regulars Don Warrington as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, Shantol Jackson as DS Naomi Thomas, Ginny Holder as Officer Darlene Curtis, Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey, and Danny John-Jules as Officer Dwayne Myers.
“We could not be happier to welcome Don to the series," Director of BBC Drama Lindsay Salt said in a statement when Gilet's casting was announced. "Already known to BBC viewers from the likes of Sherwood, EastEnders, and Doctor Who, he’s long been one of the U.K.’s most exciting actors. Death in Paradise is in brilliant hands - roll on Christmas!”
Filming on the Christmas special and new series has wrapped in Guadeloupe. The festive installment is expected to air during the holiday period, followed by a full season early next year.
Though Death in Paradise has only been renewed through Season 14 to date, its future feels rock solid. The flagship series has just cast a new leading man (for the fifth time!) and has already spawned two spin-offs. Production is already underway on the third season of Beyond Paradise, featuring former Death in Paradise lead Kris Marshall whose character has returned to South Devon, and the Australia-set Return to Paradise is set to premiere later this month.
Death in Paradise will return for a festive special at Christmas, with Season 14 to follow in early 2025.
