Death In Paradise fans were over the moon on Friday night as they tuned into the first episode of the latest series of the show. Former EastEnders actor Don Gilet had big shoes to fill as he stepped into the role of lead detective DI Mervin Wilson, following Ralf Little's departure as DI Neville Parker at the conclusion of the 13th series. Don's first outing as DI Wilson will be in the 14th season of Death in Paradise, after making his debut in the Christmas special last December.

During the Christmas special, he was tasked with investigating three men who were all apparently shot with the same gun simultaneously. However, Mervin didn't exactly win over the locals of Saint Marie initially, managing to get on the wrong side of his colleagues, including Naomi (played by Shantol Jackson), who found him difficult to work with. As the show returned on Friday night, fans were quick to warm up to him as they praised his 'bluntness'. Taking to social media, one impressed viewer said: " I know Mervin is rude and blunt, but I just love him. Two episodes in, and he might move to 2nd on my favourites list.".

"Someone told me the new DI didn't have a 'thing'..but he definitely does, he's blunt. I love him," one fan commented while one user added: "Early on, I think I’m going to like our new DI… Neville took a while but was probably my favourite… Let’s see how Mervin gets on." Another fan posted: "I love Mervin, he reminds me so much of Richard Poole. Sarcastic, with a good heart. Stern, but understanding and wants off the Island but he ain't leaving.".

Some fans might not be aware that Don had already made an appearance on the show alongside lead star Kris Marshall before securing his new role. Reflecting on his earlier cameo, Don previously shared: "I watched it before I appeared in series four with Kris Marshall. "I was watching to see the style of the show and I was drawn in by how they managed to balance the seriousness and gravity of a crime show because there are murders! with the quirkiness from the character's perspective, giving a light touch to it and a comedic edge. There are comedies and there are detective shows; they'd managed to combine those two things, and I thought, 'This is really doing it.'".

He continued: "It was a long time ago now, but I certainly remember enjoying it! I remember thinking I'm here just playing the villain. I'll never have to play that character who speaks for seven pages nonstop. Cut to now, and I'm now playing the character who speaks for seven pages nonstop.". Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads. Get the biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge straight to your inbox.