From Sunny Beaches to Dark Alleys: Unveiling the Successor of Ralf Little in Death in Paradise – None Other Than the Notorious Don Gilet from EastEnders!
Don Gilet, renowned for his portrayal of the notorious Albert Square villain Lucas Johnson in EastEnders, is set to take the helm as the fifth lead actor in the beloved BBC1 series, Death in Paradise, succeeding Ralf Little. The seasoned actor, known for his diverse roles in Holby City, The Loch, Sherwood, and even a guest appearance in Death in Paradise back in 2015, will step into the shoes of Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson.
Making his debut in this year's Christmas special, Detective Inspector Wilson arrives on the tranquil island of Saint Marie from bustling London, finding himself less than enthused by his new surroundings. Yet, off-screen, Don Gilet, aged 57, expresses sheer delight at landing the coveted role, which he has already commenced filming in Guadeloupe alongside returning cast members.
Reflecting on his new venture, Gilet jovially remarks, "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." He vows to uphold the show's essence, expressing gratitude, humility, and dedication, even amidst the allure of refreshing dips in the sea or an ice-cold beer beckoning him from the set.
The show's executive producer, Tim Key, echoes the excitement, describing Gilet as an "amazing actor" and expressing anticipation for audiences to acquaint themselves with Detective Inspector Wilson and the forthcoming narrative arcs.
Gilet's departure from EastEnders sees a transition from his haunting portrayal of Lucas Johnson, the erstwhile partner of Denise Fox and incarcerated serial killer, to the sunnier shores of Saint Marie. Meanwhile, Ralf Little's departure after five years as DI Neville Parker marks the end of an era, with Gilet poised to carry the torch forward into Death in Paradise's next chapter.
Following his departure, Little reflected on his decision, expressing, "For the show and for my character Neville, it just sort of felt like his story was finished and his journey deserved to be completed. He deserved a happy ending and it just felt right.
However, Don's appointment might come as a surprise to some Death in Paradise fans, especially those who were convinced that star Ben Miller had recently disclosed Ralf's replacement. Last month, Ben, known for his portrayal of DI Richard Poole, shared his thoughts on potential successors for Ralf, who had portrayed Neville Parker for several years on the BBC show. As fans eagerly awaited the announcement of Ralf's replacement, speculation ran rife, with various names tossed into the mix, including returning detectives or other figures associated with the show.
When asked about his preference for the role, Ben expressed his support for Toby Jones, known for his roles in "Mr Bates vs The Post Office" among others. However, he also entertained the possibility of a female lead, suggesting Miranda Hart as a potential candidate.
Reflecting on his departure, Ralf confessed that leaving wasn't easy, but he was content that his character received a fitting conclusion. Neville, along with his longtime crush Florence Cassell, embarked on a journey together, sailing off into the sunset. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Ralf explained, "This last series was always going to be my last series. If it was just a heart decision, I'd have wanted to do it for 20 more years. But just for the show and for my character Neville, it just sort of felt like his story deserved to be finished, and he deserved a nice happy ending. So it just felt right.
In conclusion, the transition from Ralf Little to Don Gilet in Death in Paradise marks a significant chapter in the series' evolution. While Ralf bid farewell to his character Neville Parker with a sense of closure and contentment, fans eagerly anticipate Don's portrayal of Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson. With speculation and excitement surrounding the casting decision, the stage is set for a new era in the beloved Caribbean crime drama. As the show continues to captivate audiences with its intriguing mysteries and picturesque setting, viewers await eagerly to see the adventures that lie ahead under the guidance of its new leading man.