On Sunday night, viewers of were treated to a dramatic shift as former soap actor Don Gilet stepped into R detective boots. The new DI Mervin Wilson headed to Saint Marie, tasked with resolving a double Santa-clad homicide.
His reluctance was palpable from the start though, after his already disappointing holiday on the island had him dreading the unexpected investigation work.
Taking to Twitter, fans didn’t hesitate to weigh in on his abrasive demeanour. One viewer tweeted: “Blunt and rude but why do I lowkey love it #DeathInParadise.” Another added: “Ok, I love how blunt the new detective is.”
One fan shared their delight, commenting: “I’m loving Mervin’s bluntness, but I don’t think his new colleagues are. Meanwhile, another concurred: “Well, I like the new detective. Yes, he’s rude but he’s also interesting.”
Yet another Twitter user praised the fresh energy brought to the show: “I really like Mervin, he’s exactly the kind of character I hoped they’d get, to change up the show again. A Luther type to be mean and moody but gets his heart melted by the Island.”
Death in Paradise fans divided over DI Mervin Wilson’s blunt attitude (Image: BBC)
Still, not everyone was charmed by DI Mervin’s gruff approach, with one critic noting: “Mervin’s a bit rude, especially to the ladies! #DeathInParadise. Another dissatisfied viewer remarked: “Mervin really isn’t making a good impression #DeathInParadise.”
In the finale, he successfully solved the mystery behind the murders and was seen leaving the island, determined to return to London. However, as Don is slated to be the new detective in the forthcoming series, it seems he won’t be venturing far, reports .
Discussing his addition to the long-standing programme, the actor admitted feeling apprehensive, conscious of the show’s popularity. When questioned about his initial experience stepping into the Detective Inspector role, he shared: “I’m sure it won’t be a surprise to say that it was both exciting and terrifying in equal measure.
Viewers were quick to take to Twitter to share their thoughts on the new DI (Image: (Image: BBC))
“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.
Upon learning he had secured the role, Don revealed it was a cocktail of emotions, ranging from relief to astonishment
Death in Paradise’s Don Gilet as Mervin Wilson (Image: BBC)
He further added: “It’s a weird feeling for an actor when you get any job, no matter what role it is, because they like your craft and what you did in the audition. When I was in the room, there were four people to impress, and I managed to do it.
“It was a great reminder to me that, yeah, you can still do this. It felt like a little personal air-punch-without-anyone-looking moment.”
Death in Paradise is available to watch on iPlayer.