Emmerdale star returns to TV with D.e.a.t.h in Paradise role after being k.i.l.l.e.d off

Former Emmerdale star Simon Lennon is back on our screens in the latest episode of D.e.a.t.h In Paradise.

The actor, who appeared in Emmerdale in 2020 and 2021 as Ben Tucker, plays a reality show contestant named Jonny in the second episode of the new series. When a murder takes place during the filming of the finale of an outdoor adventure game show, new Saint Marie Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) and his team are called in to investigate.

Simon, who also appeared in episodes of Grantchester and Bridgerton, and as Brains in the series Our Girl, is best known for playing Ben Tucker in Emmerdale. Ben was the boyfriend of Aaron Dingle, but he was tragically k.i.l.l.e.d by serial murderer Meena Jutla, who hit him over the head with a wooden oar.

Simon previously starred as Ben in Emmerdale

Simon is just the latest recognisable guest star to appear on D.e.a.t.h In Paradise and there are more to come later in the series. Doctor Who star Michelle Greenidge, Brassic’s Bhavna Limbachia, Two Doors Down’s Siobhan Redmond and Bridgerton’s David Mumeni all make an appearance this year on the island of Saint Marie, and they join a prestigious list of stars who have travelled to Guadeloupe, where the series is filmed, to appear in the series, including Helen Baxendale, Line of Duty’s Adrian Dunbar, Gavin & Stacey’s Mathew Horne, and No Time To Die’s Lashana Lynch.

In an interview with Radio Times last year, the show’s executive producer Tim Key admitted it was easy asking actors to travel to the Caribbean to film the show, but there was one actress he would love to appear who hasn’t said yes yet.

“I don’t think many of the guest cast need persuading [to come out to Guadeloupe for filming],” he said. “They are very happy to come and join us and they have a good time. They are usually here between a week and a fortnight and we work them quite hard. But obviously there are days when they are less busy and can enjoy the sunshine!”

Mervin has to investigate a d.e.a.t.h during a reality TV show on D.e.a.t.h In Paradise ( Image: BBC)

“Robert [Thorogood], who created the series, said to me he really wanted to get an actual Dame in the show, and I don’t think we’ve achieved that yet. So I’m working on that.” When asked if the Dame he was after was the legendary Dame Joan Collins, Key replied with a smile: “Her name has been mentioned before.”

The show is now on its fifth detective inspector, who leads the Saint Marie police team and investigates when there is a murder on the island. Following in the footsteps of Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O’Hanlon and Ralf Little is Don Gilet as Mervin Wilson, who joined the show for the 2024 Christmas special and is now the new lead detective.

Don, who was a guest star himself on the show back in 2015, said when he was announced as the new star of D.e.a.t.h In Paradise: “I am delighted to have returned to the wonderful island of Guadeloupe and this time to be stepping into the well-worn shoes of the Detective Inspector. It’s been a real pleasure filming such a beloved series alongside the hardworking cast and crew. I can’t wait for the fans to see how DI Mervin Wilson fares on the island, how he fits within the Saint Marie police team and what secrets may unfold…”

D.e.a.t.h In Paradise is on BBC One on Fridays at 9pm.