BBC Death in Paradise fans make feelings clear over ‘rude’ new detective: ‘Bring back Neville!’

Death in Paradise’s new leading man made his debut in the Christmas Special over the weekend, with Don Gilet making his first appearance as Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson.

The former EastEnders star has taken on the role after Ralf Little left his mark with his four-year stint as DI Neville Parker, proving to be a favourite among fans.

While the show switches its protagonist every few years, viewers were sad to see the back of Neville, who had found a place in their hearts after fronting the show for so long.

Now, Mervin’s character takes the DI of the tropical island of Saint Marie in a new direction, exhibiting a more abrupt manner that failed to win over his new team members – as well as fans watching from home.

Viewers were left divided following his first stint on the show, which came during Sunday’s festive special. Many ended up pleading for Little to reprise his role on the show after failing to take to the new character.

One wrote on X: “#deathinparadise Am I alone in finding this new DI really unlikeable and the story lacking in pace, intrigue, humour or originality? Liz Carling and Angela Griffin – two wonderful actresses – haven’t had nearly enough screen time, either!”

“#DeathInParadise. What the heck is this new incarnation of the programme?!! It is dreadful, the acting is all over the place and the detective is so not suited,” another complained.

A third requested: “@deathinparadise please bring back Nevil! …..or anyone else! I’m sorry but the new guy is a shocking actor (as he was in EastEnders and dr who) #deathinparadise #bringbacknevilparker.”

“Can’t take to this new DI. I wish they’d kept the usual kind of DI character #DeathInParadise,” another admitted.

“Bring back Neville! Not sure I like this new DI #DeathinParadise,” someone else echoed.

However, others were more willing to give the new DI and actor a chance, with another writing: “I’m loving Mervin’s bluntness, but I don’t think his new colleagues are #deathinparadise.”

“Well, I like the new detective. Yes, he’s rude but he’s also interesting #deathinparadise,” another penned. (sic)

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

When asked recently what his initial reaction to the news he’d landed the role was, the 57-year-old replied: “When I found out I felt this great sense of relief.

“This is what I’ve been craving. Then it was surprise… ‘Wow. Really, me?'”

After detailing his shocked three-word response, Gilet continued to the BBC: “It’s a weird feeling for an actor when you get any job, no matter what role it is, because they like your craft and what you did in the audition.

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“When I was in the room, there were four people to impress, and I managed to do it.

“It was a great reminder to me that, ‘Yeah, you can still do this.’ It felt like a little personal air-punch-without-anyone-looking moment.”

The crime drama is filmed in the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, and when asked about adjusting to filming in the new climate, the actor told the BBC: “It’s intense because you’ve got that heat from the start to the end of the day.