BBC Death In Paradise's new detective shakes up locals with 'rude' behaviour
Death In Paradise's latest detective, DI Mervin Wilson, portrayed by former EastEnders actor Don Gilet, is stirring things up on the sunny shores of Saint Marie.
The straight-talking Londoner, who sports a laid-back look complete with bucket hat and button-down shirt, has been ruffling feathers with his "rude" attitude and clear disinterest in island life.
Don Gilet, 57, reveals that his character was all set to leave the Caribbean: "He was on his way out", but a twist in the tale keeps him there. Fans will remember from the Christmas special that Mervin came to find his birth mother, only to learn she had passed away.
READ MORE: Death in Paradise's Commissioner Selwyn Patterson faces 'crisis' in 'monumental' twist
When suspicions of foul play arise, he decides to stay and seek the truth. Don explains the impact this has on Mervin: "It affects him very personally, and he’s forced to show a vulnerable side, which he clearly doesn’t want to do". He adds, "He doesn’t want to connect with this place and the last thing he wants to do is show any true feelings."
Mayor Catherine Bordey, portrayed by the fabulous Élizabeth Bourgine, certainly knows how to put Mervin in his place on Death in Paradise. "Every time she can show that she’s the mayor and she has a little bit of power, she will do it, to show him that he is not really respectful," Élizabeth reveals.
She adds, "Catherine has to, because he’s so rude, he is so different from Neville, from all the others." While Mervin stirs up drama in front of the camera, behind the scenes, actor Don Gilet was embraced by the cast with open arms. Don Warrington, our beloved Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, speaks about Don's addition as an exciting new chapter.
"It’s like turning a page," he comments. He further enthuses, "It’s exciting because it’s a new person bringing their characteristics to it, it’s reinvention. We, as characters, are reinvented by the presence of another person. So, it’s thrilling."
As for Shantol Jackson, who plays Sergeant Naomi Thomas, she highlights the importance of camaraderie within the cast, especially while filming in far-flung Guadeloupe.
She points out the unique challenges: "We’re away from friends and family for half the year. And on top of that, it’s a French island, so if you’re not fluent in French, it’s very hard to make friends, or even develop any kind of relationships outside of the people you work with," She previously cautioned fans regarding Mervin's prickly nature.
Don Warrington has opened up about joining the beloved cast of Death In Paradise, sharing: "We’ve been there and we were very much like, OK, we have to ensure that we take care of him, even for the first couple of months, ease him in, because we know how hard it can be, how lonely it can be. We were happy to have him and happy to welcome him. And very soon, he just kind of relaxed and eased into it."
The gripping BBC drama saw a stellar 4.7 million viewers tune in for Don's highly anticipated Christmas debut. With the stakes high, Don admits feeling the pressure to keep fans coming back, confessing: "I knew it was a popular show, I just didn’t know how popular it was," adding, "It’s a lovely show and it’s great to play a lead. It’s a big deal. This show is loved worldwide, and now they’re saying, ‘Don, can you keep the popularity? ’ It’s a double edged sword."
Luckily, with cracking scripts and an ace supporting cast, he's positive that the upcoming series 14 will be smashing.
He shares his enthusiasm, saying, "When it’s written brilliantly, which it is, it’s a joy to do. Yes, it’s hard work, yes, it’s intense, but it’s such a family."
Fans will remember Don from his days as the notorious Lucas Johnson on EastEnders. His thrilling new gig on Death In Paradise comes hot on the heels of actor Ralf Little bidding farewell to the series, as his character Neville Parker rode off into the sunset after four years, alongside love interest DS Florence Cassell, played by Joséphine Jobert.
