Gilet will be playing Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson, who arrives on the idyllic island of Saint Marie from London, and isn\u2019t overly pleased with his new surroundings.<\/p>\n
He will make his debut in a feature-length Christmas special this year, before starring in the show\u2019s 14th season next year.<\/p>\n
The star has recently begun filming in Guadeloupe, and will be joined the new episodes by returning regular cast members<\/a> Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, \u00c9lizabeth Bourgine and Danny John-Jules.<\/p>\n Gilet said in a statement: \u201cBeing offered the new lead role in Death in Paradise feels like a deeply loved and incredibly precious jewel has been placed in my hands.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a big show with a big heart, and the love continually grows for it. It is my intention to\u00a0<\/span>never lose sight of that and to remain grateful, humbled and dedicated.<\/p>\n \u201cEven during those testing times when every sinew is screaming at me to run off the set and dive into the sea, swimming pool or an ice-cold beer \u2013 whichever happens to be closer at the time!\u201d<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Tim Key, executive producer for Red Planet Pictures, added: \u201cDon is an amazing actor and we\u2019re delighted that he\u2019s joining us as the show enters another exciting new era.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got huge plans for the new series and beyond, and I can\u2019t wait for the audience to meet Mervin and to see what we\u2019ve got in store\u2026\u201d Read more:<\/strong><\/p>\n In taking on the lead detective role, Gilet will be following in the footsteps of Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O\u2019Hanlon and Little. Marshall has since gone on to star in his own Devon-based spin-off, Beyond Paradise<\/a>.<\/p> Gilet is best known for playing the villainous Lucas Johnson in EastEnders, while he has also had roles in Shetland<\/a>, The Stranger and this year\u2019s film The Beekeeper.<\/p>\n He joins Death in Paradise as the show continues to go from strength to strength, with a new Australia-based spin-off, Return to Paradise<\/a>, having just announced its cast<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Don](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/GettyImages-2101975122-04d76e1.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413\" "\\"GettyImages-2101975122\\"\/")
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