Death in Paradise's Don Gilet was "terrified" to replace Ralf Little
Death in Paradise star Don Gilet has admitted he was “terrified” at the prospect of replacing Ralf Little in the lead role.
It was announced in March that Little would depart the BBC crime series after four years in the role of DI Neville Parker, with Gilet being confirmed as his replacement in May after landing the role of DI Mervin Wilson.
Gilet, who has previously appeared in EastEnders and Holby City, is set to make his debut on the show in the upcoming Christmas special, with the star admitting that he had some big shoes to fill.
“I'm sure it won't be a surprise to say that it was both exciting and terrifying in equal measure,” he shared. “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,” he continued, before detailing his own experience of watching the show in the past.
“I was watching to see the style of the show, and I was drawn in by how they managed to balance the seriousness and gravity of a crime show – because there are murders! – with the quirkiness from the character’s perspective, giving a light touch to it and a comedic edge.”
Naturally, the climate of the Caribbean is vastly different from what Gilet is used to in regards to work, and the actor admitted that the conditions posed some problems despite the natural beauty on offer.
“It’s intense because you've got that heat from the start to the end of the day,” he said. “It does get to a point where you are used to it, but it takes that extra layer of concentration. You can’t turn the temperature down, but it’s a beautiful backdrop to shoot against.
“Sometimes you have to pinch yourself and go look at where you are and what you're doing. It's a beautiful place. I haven't had much of a chance to venture out to see just how beautiful it is yet. Once you get used to the temperature, it’s a great job!”
Beyond Paradise and Death in Paradise both air on BBC One and stream on BBC iPlayer.
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