Death in Paradise star hits back at show’s ‘white saviour’ backlash. (Image: BBC)
has hit back at criticism targeting predominance of white leading actors after critics argued that it falls victim to the “white saviour” trope.
The trope is a problematic cinematic device in which a white character rescues people of colour from unfortunate circumstances, thus creating the impression that white people are superior.
The DI Mervin Wilson actor said: “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.
“But it’s not a thing I want to reflect on because I always like to think, if I get that job, it’s because I was right for the job and if I didn’t get it, I wasn’t.
“Not to get bitter about, ‘Is it because I is black?’ because then you become defined by that, and I don’t want to be,” he added to .
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Don Gilet is Death In Paradise’s new DI. (Image: BBC)
Don’s comments come after he claimed such remarks “belittle” the beloved crime series.
He told the i newspaper last month: “I’ve never got involved in that. I’ve been very lucky to get parts that an actor would want.
“I don’t put myself out there as a Black actor trying to get black parts or being given black parts because that would be very limiting. As far as I’m concerned, they wanted an actor who was best for the show.
“I don’t get caught up in the shade of my skin … it belittles the show. It belittles me.”
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Don Gilet was first seen in the Death In Paradise Christmas special. (Image: BBC)
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.
for Death In Paradise series 14, 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.