Don Gilet responded to Kris Marshall’s casting demand. (Image: BBC)
new leading star, , has issued a blunt response to his predecessor after he shared his thoughts on who should have replaced .
In an interview last year, Kris, who played the show’s second DI Humphrey Goodman, said a person of Caribbean heritage should have been the show’s next lead.
The 51-year-old told : “What I think would be really brilliant for the show now is that they have a person – whether guy or girl – of Caribbean heritage who’s grown up in Britain, is completely, for want of a better word, ‘anglicised’, has never been to the Caribbean, and finds it really hard.
“Because obviously we’ve had lots of middle-aged, white guys, and the show’s been a success, but I think it would really give it another angle.”
In a new interview with the same publication, Don, 58, brushed over the comments in a bid to avoid “getting political”.
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Kris Marshall shared who he thought should have replaced Ralf Little. (Image: BBC)
He said frankly: “Well, I mean, nice one, for him to say that.”
As for whether he thinks being the show’s first non-white lead should be celebrated, he continued: “From an audience point of view, I would hope they could put that to one side. I’ve always said to my agent – I don’t want to be put up for a character that’s there because of his colour.”
Don’s character DI Mervin Wilson was first seen in the Death in Paradise Christmas special. Prior to this, Don was known for his role as the villainous Lucas Johnson in as well as starring in Sherwood.
He also appeared in Death In Paradise as a guest star in series four as a different character.
The new series of Death in Paradise begins this week. (Image: BBC)
, DI Wilson is ready to leave the island for good when a case close to the hearts of those at the station presents itself.
In the teaser, Mervin, who previously discovered his estranged mother had died, says he does not think her death was “an accident”.
He is also heard saying “…of all the elaborate ways to murder someone” and writes on a board that appears to show suspects and witnesses to a crime.
Tobi Bakare reprises his role of sergeant JP Hooper, with Don Warrington playing commissioner Selwyn Patterson, and Elizabeth Bourgine playing Catherine Bordey.
Death In Paradise will return to iPlayer and One from Friday January 31 at 9pm.