Inside Death in Paradise Don Gilet's career as previous roles sparked backlash
Death in Paradise welcomes a new detective as soap star Don Gilet joins the series as DI Mervin Wilson this Christmas.
Death in Paradise fans were heartbroken when Ralf Little announced he was leaving Saint Marie as DI Neville Parker in the BBC hit drama.
Viewers were in a frenzy as they attempted to guess who would be the next detective. At the start of May, it was announced Don Gilet would be leading his first full series next year, as well as the Christmas special.
Gilet has recently begun filming in Guadeloupe and said: "Being offered the new lead role in Death in Paradise feels like a deeply loved and incredibly precious jewel has been placed in my hands.
"This is a big show, with a big heart and the love continually grows for it. It is my intention to never lose sight of that and to remain grateful, humbled and dedicated. Even during those testing times when every sinew is screaming at me to run off the set and dive into the sea, swimming pool or an ice-cold beer – whichever happens to be closer at the time!”
The star's acting career dates back to the late 90s and Express.co.uk has all you need to know about his various roles over the years.
Don's first major role was playing Johnny Lindo in the series Babyfather, opposite future EastEnders co-star Diane Parish.
The series aired from 2001 until 2002 and was described as a "black, male, UK version of Sex and the City".
(Image: BBC)
From 2004 until 2005 he took on his first detective role as DS Nicky Cole in 55 Degrees North.
The London detective had relocated to Newcastle upon Tyne after exposing police corruption.
(Image: BBC)
With his first appearance in 2008, Don took on a regular role as Lucas Johnson in EastEnders.
Lucas was introduced as a reformed drug addict and criminal-turned-preacher, who transpired to be the estranged father of Chelsea Fox (played by Tiana Benjamin/Zaraah Abrahams).
His storylines included a prison escape, holding his family hostage and causing the death of his former wife.
(Image: BBC)
From 2014 until 2016 he starred as a regular, Jesse Law, in the hospital drama Holby City.
Jesse was employed as a Consultant Anaesthetist working on the hospital's Keller ward.
It was Don's first role he had been offered without having to audition.
(Image: BBC)
Viewers may be interested to hear Don has appeared in Death in Paradise before, as a guest star.
In 2015 he played Andre Morgan in the episode 'Stab in the Dark' alongside former DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall).
(Image: BBC)