Dᴇᴀᴛʜ In Paradise reveals cliffhanger reason for Don Gilet to return next series

What did you miss?

Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise detective Mervin Wilson has finally found a family on Saint Marie.

Former Eastenders star Don Gilet has confirmed he will be returning as Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson for series 15 of the long-running BBC detective show, set on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie.

The series 14 finale came to a dramatic conclusion on Friday, 28 March with Mervin discovering he had a half-brother living in the Caribbean, giving him a reason to stay.

What, how, and why?

Gilet joined the latest series of Dᴇᴀᴛʜ In Paradise as the new lead detective, following the departure of Ralf Little as DI Neville Parker. DI Mervin Wilson came to Saint Marie in the Caribbean to investigate the Dᴇᴀᴛʜ of his birth mother Dorna. And during his time on the island Mervin was able to uncover evidence and apprehend bar owner Roy Palmer for her murder.

During his time on the island, Mervin had become close to the rest of the team – DS Naomi Thomas, Officer Sebastian Rose and Officer Darlene Curtis. But he was still determined to leave.

The finale began with Mervin at the airport ready to return to England. But when the body of Rosa Martinez, a volunteer at the Marabar Turtle Conservancy, was found at the shack where he had been staying, he was immediately a suspect and had to stay in Saint Marie until the case with closed.

During the investigation Mervin met up with former Police Commissioner, Selwyn Patterson, for a heart-to-heart. The police officer, who grew up in care, said: “I spend my working life, trying to solve problems, get to the bottom of things. But outside of work, there’s always been this question mark. When I was little, I’d lie awake thinking about my parents, imagining we’d find the same things funny or like the same TV, but it all felt empty, and that emptiness had never gone away. Coming here was about trying to create some kind of full stop. I know where I come from. I know who my mother was and why she gave me up.”

Selwyn told him: “That is important, of course, but it’s the past. I’m asking you to reconsider your decision to go back to London. Because I think you are not at the end of your journey, but the beginning.”

Mervin then visited his mother’s grave, where he mused staying on Saint Marie was a “bad idea, right?” But then he found flowers left on her grave with a note from ‘S’. Which sparked more unanswered questions for him.

The mysterious ‘S’ turned out to be Solomon Clarke, a former pupil of his mother’s who lives in Antigua.

At the end of the show Mervin told the Commissioner; “Now I’ve wrapped this thing up. I can finally leave with a clear conscience.” But Selwyn told him: “Perhaps. Earlier today, I took the liberty contacting Solomon Clark. Because you are still here. That door is still open. Perhaps I’ve overstepped, but I thought it was important not to let an opportunity like this pass you by. I believe this might change your mind. This is Solomon’s number. You should call it.”

As Mervin protested: “I’m done here,” Selwyn interrupted: “He’s your brother.”

The episode ended with Mervin gazing out from the veranda of the Saint Marie Police HQ.

What else happened on Dᴇᴀᴛʜ In Paradise?

Commissioner Selwyn Patterson was offered his job back as leader of the Saint Marie police department. But Don Warrington, who has been a part of the BBC crime drama since its very first season in 2011, is leaving the show.

In the final episode of series 14, Selwyn revealed he had turned down the offer of returning to his role as Commissioner, and was going to go and spend time his daughter Andrina in England instead. He said: “I won’t be staying. Too much has happened and right now I can’t see how we can go back to how things were.”

What did viewers say?

Viewers were sad to see that Commissioner Selwyn was leaving the show, and paid tribute to his character.

One viewer posted on social media platform X: “Noooooo I can’t believe the commissioner is leaving #DeathInParadise”

Another shared: “I can’t believe we’re losing Selwyn! Just won’t be the same without him #DeathInParadise”

Someone else tweeted: “Not going to be the same without the Commissioner #DeathInParadise”

While another commented: “Enjoy your retirement Commissioner #DeathInParadise”

And fans are hoping it is not the last they see of Selwyn – as they hope he will pop up in spin-off Beyond Paradise, visiting his daughter Andrina.

One fan wrote: “Selwyn is going to England.. maybe to stop by Devon to see Humphrey? #beyondparadise #DeathInParadise”

Somebody else asked: “He’s gonna turn up in Shipton Abbott, isn’t he? #deathinparadise #beyondparadise”

And another said: “Or he could visit Shipton Abbot #BeyondParadise #DeathInParadise”