Ralf Little has broken his silence after it was announced that Don Gilet will be taking over from him as the lead in BBC’s Death In Paradise.
Don, 57, will make his debut in a feature-length Christmas special later this year, before a brand-new series in 2025.
Announcing the news on Thursday, the official Death Of Paradise Instagram account shared: ‘We’ve got some really exciting news… there’s a new detective in Saint Marie!
‘Please give a very warm welcome to Don Gilet who will play DI Mervin Wilson!’
And Ralf was quick to send his support to the star as he replied: ‘Have a wonderful time Don! It’s a magical experience.’
Death in Paradise star Ralf Little has broken his silence as his replacement is revealed as soap villain Don Gilet
Don , 57, will make his debut as DI Mervin Wilson in a feature-length Christmas special later this year, before a brand-new series in 2025
Ralf’s character DI Neville Parker said farewell to the island of Saint Marie at the end of March – leaving viewers in tears.
His departure came as a shock to fans, with the BBC only confirming the actor had left the show after the finale aired.
Speaking about his exit on BBC Breakfast last month, the star admitted he had always planned for this series to be his last and felt he had to walk away for the sake of his character.
He told hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt: ‘You know, this last series was always going to be my last series. I spoke to the BBC and Red Planet, the production company, and we all agreed.’
‘If it was just a heart decision I would 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 was finished and his journey deserved to be completed. He deserved a happy ending and it just felt right.’
As Ralf passes the torch to Don, the latter said: ‘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.
As the official Death Of Paradise Instagram account announced the news on Thursday, Ralf was quick to send his support
Ralf’s character DI Neville Parker said farewell to the island of Saint Marie at the end of March – leaving viewers in tears
Speaking about his exit on BBC Breakfast last month, the star admitted he had always planned for this series to be his last and felt he had to walk away for the sake of his character
Fans have been left confused by the choice after Don first appeared on the show in 2015 – when Kris Marshall was the detective – playing a murderer who killed the owner of a rum distillery during a séance
‘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!’
The star, who is also known for appearing in EastEnders and Sherwood, has begun filming in Guadeloupe, alongside Death in Paradise regulars Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, Élizabeth Bourgine and Danny John-Jules.
However, Death In Paradise fans have been left feeling confused with the decision to cast Don as he has already starred in the series in a different role.
Don first appeared on the show in 2015 – when Kris Marshall was the detective – playing a murderer who killed the owner of a rum distillery during a seance.
Eagle-eyed fans took to X – formerly Twitter – to share their confusion as Don now returns as a detective.
Fans took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their disappointment over the casting and claimed they ‘cant watch now’ as it has ruined the show for them
One user mused: ‘Ah ha was in Series 4 Ep1, got rid of 2 people! Think avid fans wouldn’t notice! But welcome anyway Don Gilet, you’re going to be brilliant, because you’re such a fabulous actor. Have to admit some brilliant actors have passed through Death in Paradise.’
Others added: ‘I like him but I guess this throws contingency out the window.’; ‘He’s already been in it as a killer of his boss at a rum distillery…. Why must TV shows keep doing this I love Death in Paradise but now I can’t watch because I just see him in the part he played in it.’;
‘This has got Columbo vibes……an actor who played a killer coming back as someone else later!’; ‘Yeah I didn’t like it then either, it’s not that hard to maintain continuity.’;
‘Are they going to acknowledge his previous involvement in the show, or just make him a new character? Twin maybe?’; ‘Wasn’t he a murderer in season 4? How they gonna explain that one’; ‘Hasn’t he already been a baddie in this? In the Mama Beth episode?’
