Don Gilet found it “intense” filming ‘ Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise’ in the Guadeloupe heat.
The 57-year-old actor – who played evil Lucas Johnson in ‘EastEnders’ – was confirmed as Ralf Little’s replacement as the lead detective in the popular BBC series earlier this year, and ahead of his debut as DI Mervin Wilson on December 22nd, Don admitted he needed as “extra layer of concentration” to acclimatise.
Asked how he found filming on the island, he said: “It’s intense because you’ve got that heat from the start to the end of the day.
“It does get to a point where you are used to it, but it takes that extra layer of concentration.
“You can’t turn the temperature down, but it’s a beautiful backdrop to shoot against.
“Sometimes you have to pinch yourself and go look at where you are and what you’re doing. It’s a beautiful place.
“I haven’t had much of a chance to venture out to see just how beautiful it is yet. Once you get used to the temperature, it’s a great job!”
Don – who first appeared in the show in 2015, in a guest role as Andre Morgan – was both “excited and terrified” to lead the cast of the long-running series.
He added: “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.”
The ‘Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise’ Christmas Special is on iPlayer and BBC One from 8.30pm on Sunday 22 December.
