Death in Paradise fans amazed at fact about show’s new lead actor
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‘Whatever happens, let’s have some respect for Don Gilet,’ said one viewer. Death in Paradise returned to BBC television on Sunday for a Christmas special, with Don Gilet now playing the lead detective who impressed everyone with one real life fact about him.
![[Gilet as DI Mervin]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/19/14/497365.jpg)
The EastEnders and Shetland star was announced as the replacement for Ralf Little, who played DI Neville Parker for four and half years, back in May. Gilet will play DI Mervin Wilson and becomes the first Black actor to play the lead role in the show, which began in 2011.
The hit drama is set in the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie and focuses on the British detective inspector and his team of local police as they solve murder mysteries that shake the island. Gilet, who has starred in many BBC TV shows including Holby City, Casualty and Doctor Who, began acting professionally in 1993 and many new fans are stunned to discover that he will turn 58 next month.
“You’re telling me Don Gilet is 57?! Get lost no he isn’t,” said one amazed Death in Paradise fan. Another viewer said: “I just googled Don Gilet now that he’s Marvin Wilson in #DeathInParadise and we share the same birthday (although I’m a bit younger) but he also looks waaaaay younger than someone who’s going to be 58 next month!”.
A third quipped: “Don Gilet is 57, folks.”. A fourth fan waxed lyrical about Gilet’s career but highlighted the difficult task ahead of him: “Whatever happens, let’s have some respect for Don Gilet. He’s an actor who has more than paid his dues, but stepping into a show that’s been running for 13 years, as the now 5th Inspector that’s daunting.”.
