Death in Paradise star Don Gilet has made a startling revelation about the filming conditions on the popular BBC murder mystery series, disclosing that the set in Guadeloupe is regularly invaded by venomous centipedes.
Venomous Intruders on a Tropical Set
The actor, who portrays Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson in the long-running show, has shared that the cast frequently encounter scolopendra centipedes while filming on the Caribbean island. These potentially dangerous creatures have developed a particularly unsettling habit of sneaking into personal spaces.
"There is a bug we often see when we're filming... a scolopendra. They have got venom, and they kill," Gilet revealed to the Daily Star. "People have found them in their beds and in their shoes. I have seen a few of them already. I always do checks, so I don't get any surprises!"
Cultural Divide in Bug Reactions
The 59-year-old actor noted a significant difference in reactions between the British cast members and local residents when these venomous creatures appear on set.
"These things are venomous, so when we see one on set, people who are from the UK are running around like it's Nosferatu chasing them," he explained. "But the locals act like it's just an ant."
Despite the potential danger, Gilet maintains a relatively calm perspective, taking his cues from the local population's nonchalant attitude toward the centipedes.
Nocturnal Disturbances and Filming Challenges
While the venomous centipedes don't overly concern him, Gilet does take issue with another aspect of the local wildlife - their nighttime noise levels.
"I have an issue with how loud it gets at night. There's quite a chorus going on. I'd rather they didn't make so much noise," the actor commented, highlighting one of the less-discussed challenges of filming in a tropical location.
Upcoming Season and New Cast Members
Death in Paradise is set to return for its fifteenth season on January 30, with several notable guest stars joining the ensemble cast. The new additions include:
- Siobhan Finneran from Happy Valley
- Former EastEnders actress Scarlett Alice Johnson
- Hermione Norris from Spooks
- Ben Willbond, co-creator and actor from Ghosts
- Steffan Rhodri from Gavin and Stacey
Plot Developments for the New Series
The forthcoming series promises significant character development and new challenges for the Saint Marie police force. Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson will attempt to connect with his recently discovered half-brother Solomon, played by Daniel Ward, though their relationship may not develop as smoothly as hoped.
Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, portrayed by Don Warrington, faces consequences from his recent absence from the island and must work to rebuild trust with the community, receiving guidance from old friend Catherine Bordey, played by Elizabeth Bourgine.
Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas and Officer Sebastian Rose help new recruit Sergeant Mattie Fletcher find her footing within the police force. However, shadows from Mattie's past begin to surface, potentially bringing unexpected complications to Saint Marie.
The series continues to blend tropical scenery with intricate murder mysteries, though as Gilet's revelations demonstrate, the real-life filming environment presents its own unique challenges beyond the scripted drama.
