Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise’s new lead detective speaks out on ‘terrifying’ role after Ralf Little’s exit
As he prepares to make his first appearance in the Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise Christmas special, actor Don Gilet has expressed his thrill at being cast as the new lead detective in the popular BBC series. The former EastEnders star will be stepping into the shoes of DI Mervin Wilson, following the departure of DI Neville Parker, played by Ralf Little.
Don, 57, admitted that while he was eager to take on his new role, he also found it “terrifying”. Ahead of the Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise Christmas special, which airs on 22 December, the actor shared his feelings about taking on the role of DI Wilson and filling Ralf’s place on the show.
“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. 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,” Don disclosed, reports Wales Online.
The actor, known for his portrayal of the villainous Lucas Johnson in EastEnders, went on to reveal his reaction upon learning he’d secured the lead role in Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise. He confessed it had been something he was “craving” and its confirmation came as a “relief”.
“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.”
The Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise Christmas Special marks Don’s on-screen debut as DI Mervin Wilson. The character is thrown straight into the middle of the drama as a new era on the BBC series begins.
The synopsis for the festive episode reads: “When holiday maker Stuart Fullwell (Marcus Brigstocke), fresh from performing karaoke dressed as Santa, is found shot dead on the beach by a young boy Ollie – son of Jamie (Jim Howick) – the Saint Marie police team kick into action. But with no Detective Inspector in place of the recently departed Neville Parker, are they capable of tackling such a big case?
“With the pressure mounting, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) is relieved to receive some encouraging news as he learns a British detective is holidaying on the island. Following a somewhat disappointing solo trip, DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) is aboard a flight back home to London ready to take off, though is informed by his boss that he’s to be seconded to Honore, whether he likes it or not..”
