DI Mervin Wilson Solves Festive M.u.r.d.e.r in Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise 2024 Christmas Special
The cast of Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise has a lot to say about the latest Christmas special, which features a brand new detective inspector, DI Mervin Wilson (played by Don Gilet). The show, set on the idyllic island of Saint Marie, has brought the sun, the mysteries, and, for the first time, the holiday cheer of Christmas, with a festive twist in the latest episode.
A Murder Mystery with a Christmas Twist
The 2024 Christmas special opens with the murder of holidaymaker Stuart Fullwell (Marcus Brigstocke), found dead on the beach in a suspicious manner after a karaoke performance dressed as Santa. The Saint Marie police team is in a bit of a bind after the recent departure of DI Neville Parker, leaving a significant gap in leadership just as they face what seems to be a Christmas crime spree. As the investigation unfolds, a second Santa is shot, this time celebrity songwriter Tony Hurst (Steven Hartley), and soon, the team realises all the victims were shot with the same weapon at the same time.
Enter DI Mervin Wilson, reluctantly roped into the case after a holiday gone wrong. Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) catches Mervin just before he heads back to London, forcing him to stay in Saint Marie and tackle this complex case. But Mervin’s cold, aloof demeanour and lack of interest in social niceties do not sit well with the rest of the team, particularly DS Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson) and Officer Darlene Curtis (Ginny Holder), who struggle to deal with their new superior’s lack of warmth. The investigation heats up as the team hunts for clues among suspects like hotel worker Kenny (Dex Lee) and guests Tabitha (Angela Griffin) and Karla (Elizabeth Carling).
The Christmas special is filled with shocking twists, from accusations against Mervin to revelations about his personal life, creating a perfect storm of drama. Meanwhile, Officer Dwayne Myers (Danny John-Jules) finds his Christmas plans derailed by unexpected news, adding another layer of emotional complexity to the episode.
The ‘Rude’ DI Mervin Wilson
For Don Gilet, stepping into the shoes of a Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise detective was both exciting and terrifying. Gilet admits that, although he had watched the show before, playing Mervin Wilson was a new challenge. “It was both exciting and terrifying in equal measure,” Gilet says. “It felt like one of those scary rides at a theme park. You’re going on it, and you know it will be scary, but you do it anyway.”
In his portrayal, DI Mervin brings the team a fresh, gruff dynamic. His reluctance to engage with the team or the festive island environment initially alienates him from the others. Gilet describes Mervin as someone who views Christmas as just another working day, a sentiment that contrasts sharply with the warmth and community spirit around him.
“Christmas is just another day for Mervin,” says Gilet. “He doesn’t have anything to do socially, so he works. Either way, whether in London or Saint Marie, he’s used to working on Christmas Day.”
First Impressions and Tensions on Set
Shantol Jackson, who plays DS Naomi Thomas, admits that her character initially finds Mervin rude, impatient, and “insensitive.” However, she acknowledges that Mervin is competent and capable beneath his rough exterior. “He’s very good at his job,” Jackson shares. “He’s intuitive but a hard person to deal with at first.”
The friction between Mervin and the team is a big part of the special, as the detectives must learn to work with their new boss while solving multiple murders quickly. Jackson adds that working with Gilet, a “lovely” and humorous person on set, helped bring the chemistry to life.
For Ginny Holder’s character, Officer Darlene Curtis, Mervin’s first impression was far from positive. “He was rude!” she laughs, recalling her character’s chilly reception of him, mainly after he ignored her handshake. Darlene took a while to warm up to Mervin’s no-nonsense approach, and Holder said this dynamic adds complexity to their interactions, with Darlene being more open-hearted and social.
Dwayne’s Family Christmas Plans
Meanwhile, Danny John-Jules, who plays Officer Dwayne Myers, enjoys working with the returning cast and reflects on the island’s charm. For Dwayne, Christmas takes a different turn as he reconsiders his priorities. “Dwayne’s a bit of a changed man,” John-Jules says, noting that his character has become more family-oriented. But, as in typical Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise fashion, Dwayne’s heartfelt Christmas plans don’t exactly go according to plan.
A Santarrific Mystery
The 2024 Christmas special has all the usual Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise charm, with a hint of Christmas magic. “It’s Santarrific!” Jackson exclaims, describing the episode as “full of Santas, surprises, and a lovely guest cast.” With multiple murders to solve, an elusive killer on the loose, and a very reluctant detective at the helm, this Christmas special promises to be an unforgettable addition to the beloved series.
