Don Gilet is making waves as he takes on the role of Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson, marking his place as the first Black British actor to lead the beloved procedural drama, Death in Paradise. With the show’s 14th series now airing, Gilet's debut came during the Christmas special last year, setting high expectations for the upcoming episodes.
At 58 years old, Gilet is well-known for his past role as the notorious Lucas Johnson on the long-running soap opera, EastEnders. He has also graced the screens of various shows, such as Shetland, Holby City, and Doctor Who. Now, as the new detective inspector of Saint Marie, he’s ready to tackle new murder mysteries and engage viewers with his unique characterization.
Audiences first caught glimpses of Gilet’s portrayal of DI Mervin Wilson, where he investigates and seeks closure surrounding his estranged mother’s death. The trailer teases Wilson stating, “I don’t think her death was ‘an accident’,” highlighting his emotional drive intertwined with his professional responsibility. He also intriguingly remarks, “...of all the elaborate ways to murder someone,” which indicates the blend of personal stakes and detective work the series is known for.
Gilet’s ambition for this role goes beyond mere performance; he wishes to add depth and diversity to the character. He envisions the possibility of portraying “a person... of Caribbean heritage who’s grown up in Britain,” adding another angle to the narrative. This statement shows his awareness of the show's composition over the years, noting its previous leads were predominantly middle-aged white men.
Reflecting on his new role, Gilet shared with The Guardian how he feels about this new phase of his career, likening it to “one of those scary rides at a theme park,” implying both excitement and trepidation about the challenges awaiting him. Through his dedication to the craft and self-awareness, he embraces the adventure of playing this unique character.
The new series has garnered significant anticipation, with fans eager to see how Gilet builds upon the legacy of earlier characters portrayed by beloved actors such as Ralf Little, Kris Marshall, and Ben Miller. Since its premiere, Death in Paradise has remained one of the UK’s most-watched returning dramas across multiple platforms and is currently aired across 230 countries globally.
Alongside his new role, Gilet's personal life remains under the radar yet intriguing. He was married to actress Tracy Whitwell and has since embraced fatherhood with his teenage son, Flynn. He has described parenting as trying to balance fun with responsibility—a sentiment many can relate to.
Interestingly, the interplay of Gilet’s career and personal experiences enriches his portrayal of Wilson, allowing him to resonate more deeply with audiences. The actor’s previously discussed struggles in the industry, where he once contemplated leaving acting due to its precarious nature, only serves to reinforce his commitment to the role now.
Besides acting, Gilet expresses wit and warmth, engaging with fans and media alike with humor. He lightheartedly quipped during interviews and describes his experience with interviews as akin to “an aggressive police grilling,” showcasing his down-to-earth charm.
Coming back to the plot of the current series, viewers find Gilet’s character poised to depart the sunny Caribbean island when unexpectedly pulled back by the deeply personal case linked to the station. This intertwining of personal stakes with professional responsibilities remains central to Gilet’s character arc.
Fans can catch new episodes of Death in Paradise every Friday at 9 p.m. on BBC One. With the high expectations set by both viewers and the legacy of the show, Don Gilet steps forward not just as a detective, but as part of the dynamic evolution of this beloved series.