DEATH IN PARADISE: FIRST LOOK AT DON GILET IN LEAD ROLE OF BBC DRAMA

A first look at Dob Gilet (Sherwood, EastEnders, The Beekeeper, Shetland) as the new lead detective in ratings-smash crime drama Death in Paradise has been released ahead of his debut in the upcoming Christmas special.

Making his debut in a feature-length Christmas special later this year, before a brand-new series in 2025, Gilet will play Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson - who arrives on the idyllic island of Saint Marie from London, and isn’t overly pleased with his new surroundings…

Returning Death in Paradise regulars Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, Élizabeth Bourgine and Danny John-Jules will join Gilet in the new series. Offering the perfect cocktail of sun-soaked escapism, shimmering seas and clear blue skies, the detective drama enters its fourteenth year on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Don Gilet says: “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. 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, says: “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...”

Death In Paradise returns with a Christmas special next month on BBC One.