Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise ‘tension’ as star wants DI Mervin to ‘leave’ in new series
Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise star Shantol Jackson, who plays DS Naomi Thomas in the BBC show, has opened up about her character's first impressions of the new detective.
New face DI Mervin Wilson (played by Don Gilet) looks set to stir things up in the Saint Marie police force. He made quite an impression at the end of last year when he appeared on the beloved BBC show and filled Ralf Little’s detective shoes in the Christmas special.
His blunt opinion about life on the island was evident, causing some ripples. Despite his eagerness to return to London, it appears that DI Wilson will remain closer to the tropics as he assumes the role of detective in the forthcoming series.
Shantol Jackson, who acts alongside Don as DS Naomi Thomas, has been candid about her on-screen persona’s take on the latest addition.
When questioned about Naomi’s initial reaction to DI Mervin, she didn’t mince her words, commenting: “Rude, insensitive and impatient! During the Christmas special, Naomi and Darlene want Mervin to leave but they understand that the team need a Detective Inspector.”
While DI Wilson may have frustrated some characters, viewers praised his straightforward approach and were amused by his forthright nature, reports the Mirror.
One fan commented: “Well, I like the new detective. Yes, he’s rude, but he’s also interesting.” Another Twitter user said:”I really like Mervin, he’s exactly the kind of character I hoped they’d get, to change up the show again. A Luther type to be mean and moody but gets his heart melted by the Island.”
One fan tweeted: “Blunt and rude but why do I lowkey love it #DeathInParadise,” While another shared: “I’m loving Mervin’s bluntness, but I don’t think his new colleagues are.”
Despite Shantol’s character potentially clashing with the new Detective Inspector, the cast ensured a warm welcome for actor Don Gilet.
Acknowledging the distance from home and the French-speaking nature of the filming location, the actress emphasised the significance of inclusivity.
She elaborated: 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.
“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.”
Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise season 14 arrives on BBC One and iPlayer at 9pm on Friday 31st January 2025
