January 31st 2025.
The BBC's popular police drama, Death in Paradise, has a new lead actor at the helm. Don Gilet has made history as the first Black British actor to take on the role of the police detective in this long-running procedural drama. At 58 years old, Gilet made his debut as DI Mervin Wilson in the Christmas special of 2024, replacing Neville Parker. Now, he is back for a new season of solving murder mysteries on the sunny Caribbean island of Saint Marie.
Gilet is no stranger to the screen, having gained recognition for his role as serial killer Lucas Johnson in EastEnders, a character he has portrayed for over two decades. He has also made appearances in popular shows such as Doctor Who, Shetland, and Holby City as Jesse Law. In addition, Gilet was the lead in the 2004 BBC drama 55 Degrees North as DS Nicky Cole and in ITV's 2017 police drama, The Loch.
As he takes on the lead role in season 14 of Death in Paradise, Gilet follows in the footsteps of previous series leads like Ralf, Kris Marshall, and Ben Miller, who originated the role in 2011. Speaking about his new role, Gilet expressed his desire for the show to have a lead character of Caribbean heritage, who has grown up in Britain and finds it challenging to adapt to life on the island.
Gilet's own background is a far cry from his current glamorous role. He grew up in Walsall and worked in a brass foundry making horse bridles before pursuing his acting career in the 90s. In 2008, he considered quitting the industry but ultimately decided to continue, despite the uncertainty and financial pressures of the job. He was once married to actor and author Tracy Whitwell, with whom he shares a child.
In a recent interview, Gilet's current partner, Siobhan Finneran, confirmed their relationship and spoke about their shared love for art. Finneran, known for her role in Happy Valley, also has a teenage son from a previous relationship. Gilet's best known role may be in EastEnders, but he has also guest-starred in shows like Doctor Who and has had recurring roles in Holby City and The Loch since the start of his career in the 90s.
As Gilet embarks on this new chapter of his life, he compares it to a scary ride at a theme park, where he's daring himself to take on this challenge. His positive attitude and determination are evident, as he admits to feeling a little nervous about the unknown. Fans can catch him every Friday at 9pm on BBC One as Death in Paradise continues to thrill audiences with its captivating murder mysteries. And if you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, be sure to reach out to the entertainment team at The Agency.
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