BBC's Death in Paradise: who is Don Gilet the hit crime show's new star detective

What better way to fend off the chill of winter than with the heat of a tropical island – and murder?

That’s right, Death in Paradise is coming back to our screens, and this year there’s also a brand-new detective joining the Sainte Marie police force, after Ralf Little left the show this year.

His replacement is played by Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson, who makes the trip from London to the Caribbean only for the team to discover that he may have ulterior motives for taking the job.

This isn’t the first time Gilet has been on the show: in 2015, he played a different characther, who was on the wrong side of the law – killer Andre Morgan opposite Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman.

“I am delighted to have returned to the wonderful island of Guadeloupe and this time to be stepping into the well-worn shoes of the Detective Inspector,” Gilet said.

“It’s been a real pleasure filming such a beloved series alongside the hardworking cast and crew. I can’t wait for the fans to see how DI Mervin Wilson fares on the island, how he fits within the Saint Marie police team and what secrets may unfold..."

Gilet himself has been on our screens for years. Born in Walsall in the West Midlands in 1967, he attended the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.

His first major role was in the BBC Two comedy Babyfather, but he’s best known for playing Lucas Johnson in EastEnders – mainly between 2008 and 2010, and he has returned to the show several times since then, and was nominated in 2011 for Villain of the Year at the British Soap Awards.

Over the years, Gilet has played characters including Jesse Law in Holby City and the main character of DS Nicky Cole in detective show 55 Degrees North.

He’s appeared in shows such as Silent Witness, The Doll Maker, Sherwood and Father Brown. He also played Lance in the 2006 Doctor Who Christmas special, The Runaway Bride, and appeared this year in the Jason Statham film The Beekeeper as Deputy Director Prigg.

After the news of his appointment was released, predecessor Ralf Little paid tribute to Gilet, telling him, "It's the most magical experience and I just hope you get everything out of it and wish you the best of luck, I'm absolutely sure you're going to be magnificent.”