BBC Death in Paradise's Don Gilet's famous ex-wife and 'romance' with Happy Valley star

Black Country actor Don Gilet has appeared in some of the BBC's biggest TV shows over the years. The Walsall-born star has clocked up appearances in EastEnders, Doctor Who and Holby City - and now he's set to join the Death in Paradise cast.

The 57-year-old has been announced as the show's new lead detective and will make his debut in this year's Christmas special. He'll play Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson, who will travel to the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie from London.

But while his character will not be “overly pleased with his new surroundings”, Don couldn't be more excited to the land the role. He told the Mirror : "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."

READ MORE: New BBC Death in Paradise detective named as EastEnders star

Don discovered his passion for acting at an early age and trained professionally at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in Peckham. He made his on-screen debut in 1993, appearing in comedy Desmond's, before going on to star in Now What, The Return of Nick Cotton and Casualty.

In 2001, he got his big break when he joined the cast of Babyfather and also crossed paths with his future EastEnders co-star Diane Parish. In 2008, the pair were reunited on screen when Don arrived in Albert Square to play the soap's pastor-turned-serial-killer Lucas Johnson.

Don, a father-of-one, largely keeps his personal life out of the spotlight. He was previously married to fellow actress Tracy Whitwell, who started in Peep Show and Soldier, Soldier. The former couple lived together in Bedfordshire and share a 17-year-old son called Flynn.

Speaking about his son with The Sunday Post back in 2014, Don said: "Flynn's eight and he's pretty rambunctious. I think he's got some of my playful genes... I have fun at work but when I get home I have to become a father and keep an eye on him not getting too wild. He's a lovely kid but he's very active and loves to run about the place. If you wind him up to play you have to allow the time to calm him before he beds down at night."

Don has since been romantically linked to actress Siobhan Finneran, best known for playing Clare Cartwright in Happy Valley. Despite never publicly confirming their romance, they appeared close at the TV Choice Awards 2024, where they were spotted holding hands on the red carpet.