BBC Death in Paradise star addresses 'problem' with changing detectives


Death In Paradise's writer Tony Jordan has addressed the "problem" with changing detectives on the BBC show.

Ben Miller played the BBC drama's first-ever detective DI Richard Poole, who was then replaced by DI Humphrey Goodman - played by Kris Marshall. When he left, Ardal O'Hanlon, who played DI Jack Mooney, replaced him, followed by DI Neville Parker - brought to life by Ralf Little. After Ralf's departure, Don Gilet will be taking on the role of the new detective - with the scenes set to air next year.

Speaking with Don Warrington, who plays Police Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, writer and producer Tony Jordan, shared: "Then of course the problem came when Ben wanted to leave. Then we had to find a replacement because we couldn't just do the zipped-up suit, shirt, tie, and briefcase anymore because it would just be what Ben did.

Don Gilet will play the new detective
Don Gilet will play the new detective -Credit:(Image: BBC)

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"We needed someone with funny bones, which was obviously Kris Marshall, who worked mostly in comedy up until then. What was funny about Kris is, we were struggling with his first script. No one knew exactly who he was in the way we knew who Richard was. I went and looked at one of the things and I thought, how do we get this character in a nutshell, how do we find him?"

Don Warrington spoke with Tony Jordan
Don Warrington spoke with Tony Jordan

Speaking about Kris' first scenes, which saw Humphrey fall out of a window, Tony added: "And I literally had him sit on a windowsill and fall backward out the window. And Danny turned and said, did he just fall out of a window? It was such a deadpan moment. And then we got it! This is a man who is so into everything that things happen and he takes it in his stride. He just keeps going."

Don Gilet will take on the role of the new detective, where he stars as Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson.

He said: "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!"