BBC Death in Paradise announces EastEnders star as Ralf Little’s replacement

The BBC has confirmed that EastEnders star Don Gilet will be replacing Ralf Little as Death in Paradise’s lead detective. He will play DI Mervin Wilson - who arrives on the idyllic island of Saint Marie from London, and isn’t overly pleased with his new surroundings.

Gilet, who is best known for playing Lucas Johnson on EastEnders, has recently begun filming in Guadeloupe, alongside returning Death in Paradise regulars Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, Élizabeth Bourgine and Danny John-Jules.

“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,” Gilet said of landing the new role. “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!”

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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...”

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, says: “We could not be happier to welcome Don to the series. Already known to BBC viewers from the likes of Sherwood, EastEnders, and Doctor Who, he’s long been one of the UK’s most exciting actors. Death in Paradise is in brilliant hands - roll on Christmas!”

Ralf Little departed Death in Paradise earlier this year, with his character DI Neville Parker finally getting the happy ending he longed for. The character sailed off into the sunset with love interest DS Florence Cassell, played by Josephine Jobert.

In joining Death in Paradise, Gilet becomes the show’s fifth detective after Little, Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, and Ardal O’Hanlon. Death in Paradise is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. You can keep up to date with the latest TV and showbiz news by signing up to the newsletter here.