Forward of his return as DI Mervin Wilson, Don Gilet has stood his floor and fired again at those that have criticised his character on Dying in Paradise. Gilet was confirmed as Ralf Little’s alternative because the lead detective within the widespread BBC collection final yr. He made his debut in the course of the 2024 Christmas particular, however has now said that he has no obligation to justify his character’s behaviour. Mervin is understood for his curt method and frequent complaints about life on Saint Marie, which have sparked criticism from viewers at dwelling. Chatting with Radio Instances, Gilet spoke about his character improvement and was adamant about not having to defend the detective. He mentioned: “I don’t must defend Mervin […] This household factor that he’s by no means had, however he’s all the time wished, now it’s there, and he’s frightened.”
He added: “He can resolve crimes along with his eyes closed… What he’s not sensible at is exhibiting emotion, exhibiting vulnerability.”
Don beforehand mentioned that he discovered it “intense” filming ‘Dying in Paradise’ within the Guadeloupe warmth.
Requested how he discovered filming on the island throughout his debut, he mentioned final yr: “It’s intense since you’ve acquired that warmth from the begin to the tip of the day. It does attain a degree the place you turn into accustomed to it, but it surely requires an additional layer of focus.
“You’ll be able to’t flip the temperature down, but it surely’s a ravishing backdrop to shoot towards. Typically you must pinch your self and go have a look at the place you’re and what you are doing. It is a ravishing place.
“I have never had a lot of an opportunity to enterprise out to see simply how lovely it’s but. When you get used to the temperature, it’s an ideal job!”
Dying in Paradise’s 2025 Christmas particular sees the crew known as to a Caribbean villa to research a perplexing homicide case. The forged reprising their roles embrace Shantol Jackson, Élizabeth Bourgine, Ginny Holder, and Ali-Yebuah.
Dying in Paradise airs Sunday, 28 December at 8:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
