Don Gilet, star of Death in Paradise, has had a previous stint on the show before landing the lead role in the new series. The ex- actor first graced the show during the Christmas special and now returns as the full-time leading detective, DI Mervin Wilson.
However, fans might be unaware that Don had already featured in the show alongside main star Kris Marshall before securing his current role. Reflecting on his earlier cameo, he disclosed: “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 further added: “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.”
The former EastEnders actor made his debut in the show during the Christmas special (Image: BBC)
The series is set to make a comeback on our television screens tomorrow night, and a recently unveiled teaser assures viewers that while there “may be a new detective in town” it remains “business as usual” on the Caribbean island.
The inaugural episode is set to air on Friday, January 31, where viewers will meet the new DI Mervin Wilson. Prior to his debut, Don confessed to feeling a mix of “excitement and terror” about his full-time return.
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Don Gilet has previously appeared on the BBC show (Image: BBC)
The actor shared: “I’m sure it won’t be a surprise to say that it was both exciting and terrifying in equal measure. I liken it to one of those scary rides at a theme park. I’m going on it, and I know it’s going to be scary, but I’m going to do it.
“You’re daring yourself. Then you sit in the seat going, ‘What have I just let myself in for? ! ‘ But it was exciting because I knew I was embarking on this new journey.”
Death in Paradise will return on Friday, January 31 on One and iPlayer.