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Death in Paradise finally reveals Ralf Little’s replacement as EastEnders’ Don Gilet bags lead role in BBC hit
Bosses have also confirmed when fans will first see the star in idyllic Saint Marie
DEATH in Paradise has finally revealed Ralf Little's replacement after weeks of speculation.
The hit BBC One detective series has cast an EastEnders baddie as he moves to the right side of the law.
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Don Gilet will become Death in Paradise's new lead, with filming officially kicking off in Caribbean.
The 57-year-old is best known for playing serial killer preacher Lucas Johnson in Walford.
Don will play Detective Inspector Mervin WiIson who arrives in Saint Marie from London.
The actor will be introduced onscreen to fans during Death in Paradise's Christmas special this year before the 14th series kicks off in 2025.
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Speaking about joining the smash-hit Beeb series, Gilet said: “Being offered the new lead role in Death in Paradise feels like a deeply loved and incredibly precious jewel has been placed in my hands.
"This is a big show, with a big heart and the love continually grows for it. It is my intention to never lose sight of that and to remain grateful, humbled and dedicated.
"Even 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 – whichever happens to be closer at the time!”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, added: “We could not be happier to welcome Don to the series. Already known to BBC viewers from the likes of Sherwood, EastEnders, and Doctor Who, he’s long been one of the UK’s most exciting actors.
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"Death in Paradise is in brilliant hands - roll on Christmas!”
Fans were left devastated when Ralf Little's final scenes as DI Neville Parker aired, seeing the copper leave the idyllic island with DS Florence Cassell.
EastEnders' Denise Fox confesses to burying Keanu Taylor to killer ex Lucas
The finale, which aired in March, pulled in a whopping 7.4million viewers.
He was the longest-serving lead star in the show's history with a four-year stint, having taken over from Ardal O’Hanlon.
Death in Paradise is in brilliant hands - roll on Christmas!
Lindsay Salt
Since the latest series wrapped bookies had predicted Harry Potter star Rupert Grint would be offered the role, with latest odds at 6-4.
Martin Clunes was also tipped for the gig, as well as The Inbetweeners star Simon Bird.
Comedian Miranda Hart was also touted, which would have made history as the show's first ever female lead.
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.
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.
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