Death in Paradise fans divided as Don Gilet replaces Ralf Little – blasting BBC for ‘missed opportunity’
DEATH in Paradise fans shared mixed reactions to the new Detective Inspector as some wished the show explored a different avenue.
Former EastEnders actor Don Gilet, who played villain Lucas Johnson, has been unveiled as the show’s next leading man.
He follows in the footsteps of previous stars Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O’Hanlon and Ralf Little.
He will now be taking on the role of DI Melvin Wilson, who like some of his predecessors isn’t exactly thrilled to be in Saint Marie.
Don will make his first appearance as DI Wilson in the show’s next Christmas special and lead the cast in series 14 onwards.
Many fans of the BBC show shared their excitement over the casting news, with one writing: “Love him…so excited! Can’t wait for new episodes!”
Another added: “Totally didn’t expect Don! What a brilliant choice!!! Excited to see what he does with the role!!”
A third viewer penned: “Oh thank God they made a good choice! I was so worried we’d get a dud even though they never have.”
However, some were left disappointed by the show not yet having a female main character.
Taking to the show’s subreddit, one fan wrote: “Still not a female lead, but at least it’s something new.
“Hopefully he’s not as much of a klutz as Neville because I grew sick of those antics during his run and fell off after his second season.
“Wouldn’t mind someone a bit more mature with a more mentor-like role for the cast, more like Jack.”
Meanwhile, an eagle-eyed fan pointed out that Don has stepped foot into fictional Saint Marie before.
He guest-starred in series four, episode one “Stab in the Dark” as the character Andre Morgan.
Past episodes of Death in Paradise are available to watch on BBC iPlayer
Timeline of Death In Paradise Detectives
Death In Paradise started in 2011 and has welcomed four detectives so far to the island.
These are all of the actors who have played the lead detective in the hit BBC series so far:
Ben Miller as DI Richard Poole – Actor Ben played the first ever detective from seasons 1 to 2, and then returned as a guest star in the third and tenth series.
Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman. Next up My Family star took on the role for three years from series 3 to 6.
Ardal O’Hanlon as DI Jack Mooney. Father Ted star Ardal was a fan favourite and was the detective for three seasons from series 6 to 9.
Ralf Little as DI Neville Parker. The actor started in 2019 and is the longest-running star to have the detective role. He was on the show for four seasons from 9 to 13.