BBC Death in Paradise fans torn as show shares first-look at new detective: ‘Hard shoes to fill’

Death in Paradise fans were sad to bid farewell to Ralf Little following the latest series, with the actor having cemented his role as leading detective Neville Parker in an almost five-year stint on the crime drama.

However, viewers were delighted when actor Don Gilet was finally announced as the fifth detective of the exotic Caribbean island.

Earlier this year, the BBC revealed Gilet, 57, would be taking over the role as the police force leader of the island.

Gilet has starred is several roles but is best-known for playing serial killer Lucas Johnson on BBC soap EastEnders, a role he has portrayed on and off since 2008.

On Wednesday, the official Instagram account for Death in Paradise shared a sneak peek of Gilet in the new role of DI Mervin Wilson.

Along with a snap of a serious-looking Wilson with the iconic sea view backdrop, the account penned: “There’s a new detective in Saint Marie!”

The caption continued: “A first look at #DonGilet as DI Mervin Wilson in his much-anticipated debut in the feature-length Death in Paradise Christmas special coming to the @BBC later this year before a brand-new series in 2025.”

While fans are no doubt excited to see the new protagonist, some had their doubts as to whether any new actor could capture the magic Little displayed in his stint.

“He has always played a killer or bad guy, so I’m not sure how I will take to his character,” one penned, adding: “Neville was amazing, so it’s hard shoes to fill. I will keep an open mind as I love death in paradise.”

Alluding to the actor’s previous soap role, another joked: “A eastenders serial killer playing a detective on another show, how the tables have turned!”

“I know they want fish out of water, but I’d love to have one of the sergeants back as DI,” another admitted.

Agreeing, someone else responded: “Definitely. Would love JP back as DI or Fidel.”

However, others felt hopeful about the show’s future, with another fan pointing out: “Every time a new DI is announced we all have the same thoughts, that the predecessor was the best. Yet time and time again, the new DI nails it. Trust the process.”

“Great news!” stated a different viewer. Little himself also offered his support, writing in the comments: “Can’t wait to watch!” (sic)

Gilet will be making his debut on the show alongside Don Warrington and the rest of the cast this Christmas.

Warrington, who plays Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, recently shared some behind-the-scenes snaps of the show, giving fans a glimpse into him “back at work”.

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Warrington can be seen in character as Selwyn exiting a police vehicle to meet Ginny Holder’s Darlene Curtis.

The second photo of the post is taken a few yards from the set as Warrington captured a bright yellow van emblazoned with a news channel’s logo while the BBC crew gathered around.

The third snap in the series is one that appears to have piqued fans’ interest the most, however, as it seems to show Warrington’s Selwyn introducing Gilet’s DI Mervin Wilson to Saint Marie.

Warrington concluded the peek behind the scenes with a snap of him in Selwyn’s iconic Commissioner uniform while being followed by the Death in Paradise film crew.