Meet DI Mervin Wilson, ‘Death in Paradise’s Newest Lead Detective

Death in Paradise’s season 13 finale aired earlier this year, and it was certainly an emotional rollercoaster. Though the series has never been more popular, there may be some big changes on the horizon, and those who have seen the final episode will no doubt be wondering what will happen next.

Will we even get to see Death in Paradise season 14? Here’s what we know.

Has Death in Paradise been renewed for season 14?

You can breathe a sigh of relief, Death in Paradise fans, the show is indeed coming back for another season. Death in Paradise’s upcoming series will kick off with a Christmas special this holiday season, and season 14 will likely premiere in either January or February 2025. In the U.K., the upcoming series will be available on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, and in the U.S., it will remain available on BritBox.

However, there are some big changes to contend with. The Death in Paradise season 13 finale confirmed what we’d all secretly been dreading: Ralf Little is leaving the show and will no longer be portraying Detective Inspector Neville Parker. As the longest-serving Death in Paradise DI, Little’s performance became a staple of the series, and fans will undoubtedly be heartbroken over his exit. After the finale aired in the U.K., Little and the official Death in Paradise Instagram account shared a heartfelt message about his time on the show, which you can watch below.

Thankfully, however, Neville’s exit from the series was a joyous one. He and fellow police officer DS Florence Cassell (Joséphine Jobert) have finally embarked on a (potentially) romantic relationship with one another, literally sailing off into the sunset to begin a new and exciting adventure together. After all the mishaps, betrayals, and heartache both Neville and Florence have experienced on Saint Marie, they certainly deserve this happy ending.

Say hello to your new Detective Inspector

Now, however, a new DI is set to join Saint Marie’s police force. On May 2, 2024, the BBC officially announced Ralf Little’s successor. Don Gilet, known for roles in iconic British shows like EastEnders, Shetland, Doctor Who, Love & Marriage, and more, will officially be introduced as Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson in this year’s feature-length Christmas special before the new season kicks off at the beginning of 2025. According to the BBC, Wilson will arrive on “the idyllic island of Saint Marie from London,” but he won’t be “overly pleased with his new surroundings.” Filming for series 14 has officially started on location in Guadeloupe.

When his new role was announced, Gilet said in a statement to the BBC:

“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!”

BBC

We’re certain that Gilet will bring an exciting new energy to the show when Death in Paradise returns later this year. Bring on the Christmas special!

(featured image: BBC)