Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise will return to BBC in matter of days as series 14 start date confirmed
Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise will be back on screens later this month with ex-EastEnders star Don Gilet taking over from Ralf Little as lead detective DI Mervin Wilson
The BBC has confirmed that the popular TV show, Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise, will be back on our screens with its 14th series later this month.
The upcoming series of the hit drama has been much anticipated, with former EastEnders actor Don Gilet joining the cast as the new lead detective DI Mervin Wilson, taking over from DI Neville Parker, portrayed by Ralf Little, who left at the end of the 13th series.
Don’s first appearance as DI Wilson will be in the 14th season of Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise, following his debut in the Christmas special last December. The BBC has officially announced that the new series is set to premiere on BBC One on Friday 31 January at 9pm.
In the new series, Mervin will face a number of challenging cases. In the Christmas special, he was tasked with investigating three men who were all apparently shot with the same gun at the same time.
His backstory was also unveiled, revealing that he had come to the island to meet his mother for the first time. He shared this information with his boss Selwyn (Don Warrington), which helped to establish some sort of friendship between them.
However, it was sadly disclosed that Mervin’s mother had recently died. This prompted Selwyn to suggest that Mervin extend his stay on Saint Marie, as a way to feel closer to his late mother.
Discussing Mervin’s adjustment to life in Saint Marie, Don commented: “Everything in Saint Marie runs counter to how things are supposed to be done, as far as he’s concerned. His approach is more suited to a London pace of life, but nobody, even back in London, works the way he does.”
Reflecting on joining the established BBC series, Don confessed his feelings were a mix of fear and excitement about taking on such an important character.
“I’m sure it won’t be a surprise to say that it was both exciting and terrifying in equal measure. I liken it to one of those scary rides at a theme park,” he shared. “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 added: “It’s a weird feeling for an actor when you get any job, no matter what role it is, because they like your craft and what you did in the audition.”
“When I was in the room, there were four people to impress, and I managed to do it. It was a great reminder to me that, yeah, you can still do this. It felt like a little personal air-punch-without-anyone-looking moment.”
Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise is available to watch on BBC iPlayer
