Actor Don Gilet has spoken candidly about the 'pressure' of stepping into the lead role in the hit BBC drama Death In Paradise, admitting he feared fans might 'switch off' when he took over.
The Weight of the Badge: Following in Famous Footsteps
Appearing on BBC's The One Show on Monday evening, the 58-year-old star discussed his first year playing DI Mervin Wilson. Gilet joined the show in 2024, succeeding popular predecessors like Ben Miller and Ralf Little. He confessed to hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp that he felt intense scrutiny, comparing it to releasing a tricky second album.
'I feel the pressure doing this,' Gilet revealed. 'It feels like the second album... I was the replacement like a replacement Doctor Who and people have their favourites.' He added his concern that viewers might not accept him, asking himself: 'are people going to switch off?' Fortunately, the audience response has been positive, but Gilet insists he is 'not resting on my laurels'.
A Festive Mystery Awaits on Saint Marie
The interview also previewed the upcoming 2025 Christmas special, which airs on BBC One on Sunday, December 28 at 8.30pm. Gilet appeared alongside fellow guests Ricky Gervais and Alex Scott to tease one of the team's most baffling cases yet.
The festive episode will feature a particularly perplexing crime: a victim found dead in a swimming pool on the idyllic island of Saint Marie. The twist that has left investigators stunned is that the murder weapon was secured in a drawer in England at the precise time of the death.
DI Wilson Finds Roots in Paradise
Gilet also shed light on his character's evolving journey. DI Mervin Wilson first arrived on Saint Marie investigating his birth mother's death. Initially reluctant, the detective has now found compelling reasons to stay.
'There's been some draw, some familial draw that keeps him there now,' Gilet explained, hinting at unfolding personal storylines. 'He's got some kind of family to deal with... I'm very happy to be playing the personal family side to it.' This suggests viewers will see more than just crime-solving from Wilson in future episodes.
During the show, presenter Alex Jones read a message from a fan named Janice, who said: 'I love Don as the new detective - can't wait for the Christmas special.' A visibly touched Gilet responded: 'Oh thank you, thank you Janice. It's for you, thank you!' His reaction underscores the 'enjoyable pressure' he feels in bringing the beloved series' newest detective to life.
