BBC Death in Paradise's new detective breaks silence on replacing Ralf Little
As he gets set to make his Death in Paradise debut in the show's Christmas special, actor Don Gilet has revealed his excitement at having been cast as the BBC series' new lead detective. The ex-EastEnders star is taking on the role of newcomer DI Mervin Wilson, following the exit of DI Neville Parker (Ralf Little).
Don, 57, has revealed that while he was excited to step into his new role, he also found it "terrifying". Speaking ahead of the Death in Paradise Christmas special airing on 22 December, the actor opened up about stepping into the role of DI Wilson for the very first time and taking over Ralf's spot on the show.
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"I'm sure it won't be a surprise to say that it was both exciting and terrifying in equal measure. I liken it to one of those scary rides at a theme park. I'm going on it, and I know it's going to be scary, but I'm going to do it. You’re daring yourself. Then you sit in the seat going, “What have I just let myself in for?!” But it was exciting because I knew I was embarking on this new journey," Don revealed.
The actor, who portrayed villainous Lucas Johnson in EastEnders, went on to share how he felt when he found out he'd landed the lead role in Death in Paradise, admitting it had been what he was "craving" and it came as a "relief".
Don continued: "When I found out I felt this great sense of relief. This is what I've been craving. Then it was surprise: Wow. Really, me? It’s a weird feeling for an actor when you get any job, no matter what role it is, because they like your craft and what you did in the audition. When I was in the room, there were four people to impress, and I managed to do it. It was a great reminder to me that, yeah, you can still do this. It felt like a little personal air-punch-without-anyone-looking moment."
The Death in Paradise Christmas Special marks Don's on-screen debut as DI Mervin Wilson. The character is thrown straight into the middle of the drama as a new era on the BBC series begins.
The synopsis for the festive episode reads: "When holiday maker Stuart Fullwell (Marcus Brigstocke), fresh from performing karaoke dressed as Santa, is found shot dead on the beach by a young boy Ollie - son of Jamie (Jim Howick) - the Saint Marie police team kick into action. But with no Detective Inspector in place of the recently departed Neville Parker, are they capable of tackling such a big case?
"With the pressure mounting, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) is relieved to receive some encouraging news as he learns a British detective is holidaying on the island. Following a somewhat disappointing solo trip, DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) is aboard a flight back home to London ready to take off, though is informed by his boss that he’s to be seconded to Honoré, whether he likes it or not…"
The Death in Paradise Christmas Special will air on iPlayer and BBC One from 8.30pm on Sunday 22 December
