Don Gilet is ready to put on his detective hat as he has been announced as the new lead in crime drama Death In Paradise.
The actor, 57, will make his debut in a feature-length Christmas special later this year, before a new series in 2025.
Don will play Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson, who arrives on the idyllic island of Saint Marie from London and is not too pleased with his new surroundings.
The star, who is also known for appearing in EastEnders and Sherwood, has begun filming in Guadeloupe, alongside Death in Paradise regulars Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, Élizabeth Bourgine and Danny John-Jules.
Don said: “Being offered the new lead role in Death in Paradise feels like an incredibly precious and deeply loved gem has been placed in my hands.
Don Gilet will be donning his detective hat as he has been announced as the new lead in crime drama Death In Paradise.
It comes after the show’s former star Ralf Little, 44, stepped down from the lead role in Death In Paradise after five years with one last appearance in the series finale on March 13.
‘This is a great show, with a big heart and the love for it continually grows. My intention is to never lose sight of that and to remain grateful, humble and dedicated.
“Even in those difficult moments when every tendon is screaming at me to run off the set and jump into the sea, the pool or an ice-cold beer, whatever is closest at the time!”
Tim Key, executive producer of Red Planet Pictures, added: “Don is an incredible actor and we are thrilled to have him join us as the series enters another exciting new era.
“We have big plans for the new series and beyond, and I can’t wait for audiences to meet Mervin and see what we have in store.”
It comes after the show’s former star Ralf Little, 44, stepped down from the lead role in Death In Paradise after five years with a final appearance in the March 13 series finale.
In a video posted to his Instagram after the show, Ralf posted a long message to his fans saying it was an “absolute privilege” to play DI Neville Parker.
He said, ‘There you go! The secret is out! My stay in Saint Marie has come to an end. But what an ending!
‘New adventures await Neville and he got to sail off into the sunset with his best friend and, you know, who knows what will happen to them next! I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who watched and supported the show.
Don said: “Being offered the new lead role in Death in Paradise feels like an incredibly precious and deeply loved gem has been placed in my hands.”
The actor will make his debut in a feature-length Christmas special later this year, before a new series in 2025.
‘When I arrived four and a half years ago, I knew I had big shoes to fill. Entering a series loved by millions, including me, was a huge responsibility.
“I had no idea whether viewers would accept my interpretation of Neville’s character, and indeed mine, so it was a huge relief that the response has been overwhelming.
‘It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to bring you Neville Parker and share with you his truly profound journey. I can’t thank you all enough for the support over the last four and a half years and as Neville heads off on new challenges and adventures and I head off on new challenges and adventures.’
He continued: “When I look back on my time at Death In Paradise, the way everyone took Neville into their hearts, it truly has been one of the most magical and profound experiences of my entire life. If it weren’t for all of you, I would never I could have done it. Thank you very much!
In a video posted to his Instagram after the show, Ralf posted a long message to his fans saying it was an “absolute privilege” to play DI Neville Parker.
‘What’s next for the show? Well, I couldn’t even tell you if I knew, but I don’t know! I don’t know! But what I do know is that the team that makes it, the producers, the writers, the directors, the entire crew, the guest cast, and of course, my absolutely magnificent co-stars.
‘They know what they are doing and the future is in good hands! So I will be watching series 14 along with you with the same excitement as all of you. I can’t wait to see what happens next!’
The actor recently insisted he had no idea who his successor would be.
In a recent Instagram Q&A, she revealed: “Honestly, I have no idea and they haven’t told me, maybe they had no idea yet.”
‘Like the rest of you, I will also be eagerly waiting to find out who will be next. No idea. But we’ll see what happens.”
