Death in Paradise's Commissioner Selwyn Patterson faces 'crisis' in 'monumental' twist
Mervin Wilson, played by former EastEnders star Don Gilet, has certainly shaken things up in the Caribbean. And as the new inspector settles into the role, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson is hit with 'monumental' news.
Don Gilet, who gained mainstream fame on the BBC soap as serial killer Lucas Johnson, portrays straight-talking Londoner DI Mervin Wilson, a stark contrast to Ralf Little’s anxious and sensitive Neville. His prickly demeanour initially left his colleagues unsure if he was the right replacement for Neville Parker, last seen driving off into the sunset with love interest DS Florence Cassell.
However, more drama is set to unfold at the Honore Police Station. The fourteenth season of Death In Paradise begins with a shocking revelation for Selwyn - his position as Commissioner is about to be dissolved.
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Don Warrington, who has played the Commissioner since the show's debut in 2011, has given fans a glimpse into his character's mindset following this unexpected news.
"He’s shocked. It’s not what he expected", reveals Don, 73. "It comes as a bolt from the blue. He has to deal with a situation that he hadn’t expected, and it’s making a big change in his life, in his status. He has to work through a crisis, really."
The news is also set to send shockwaves through the small island of Saint-Marie: "It’s monumental for all the other characters as well. It affects everybody equally."
But just as Selwyn's fate appears to be sealed, one key character could throw a curveball - Mayor Catherine Bordey. When asked about her on-screen alter ego and her role in Selwyn's ordeal, actress Elizabeth Bourgine hints: "She will be, even with Selwyn, helpful as a mayor and as a friend."
"Because she can have the mayor power and do things. And as a friend, she can be very nice, tender, warm or angry. So we can see Catherine in very different ways in this series, and even with Darlene Curtis (played by Ginny Holder), we have a nice moment." How will she help Selwyn? And could her friendship really save him from the chopping block?
While this remains to be seen, Mervin has yet to find his mark in Saint-Marie, particularly as the prickly detective inspector has unsettled his new colleagues with his laid-back and "rude" approach.
On the set of Death In Paradise, Mervin may stir up drama, but off-screen, actor Don Gilet received a warm welcome from his co-stars. "It’s like turning a page," commented Don Warrington on the fresh dynamic.
"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."
Away in Guadeloupe, Shantol Jackson, who plays Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas, highlights the value of camaraderie as the cast is far from home and friends. "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 shared.
The team rallied around Don, ensuring his integration was smooth and friendly, as they understood the challenges of isolation. "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."
With 4.7 million viewers tuning in for Don Gilet's debut episode at Christmas, the beloved BBC drama Death In Paradise now sees Don facing the challenge of keeping its substantial fanbase engaged.
"I knew it was a popular show, I just didn’t know how popular it was," he admits. "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."
With top-notch writing and fabulous co-stars by his side, Don is quite upbeat that series 14 could raise the bar even higher. He enthuses, "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."
