DEATH in Paradise has hinted at the departure of a beloved character – just as viewers are weighing in on the new detective.
In the Christmas special, we saw the arrival of Mervin Wilson, played by EastEnders star Don Gilet.
Viewers learned he travelled to Saint Marie to meet his mother for the first time, only to discover she had died months earlier.
There were mixed reviews from fans about the new arrival as they tuned into the festive episode.
One viewer tweeted: ” Death in Paradise: It is only one episode, but I’m not gonna lie, I don’t like the new inspector Melvin. I hope he goes maybe (he will be) murdered. That’ll be cool.”
Another chimed: “Worst detective inspector ever I certainly won’t be watching anymore.”
However, some fans enjoyed seeing the new detective in action: “I like the new inspector, Mervin Wilson,” said one viewer.
The fan added: “I can see a romance hatching between him and DS Naomi Thomas.”
A third commented, “Don Gilet’s face, when reluctantly walking out to greet the suspects for the denouement, was the final confirmation I needed that he absolutely nailed it. Well done to him and all involved. Such a great show.”
A fourth agreed, writing: “Always a worry with a new lead DI – but each time casting has got it right. They don’t again. Don Gilet is perfect!”
But the show hinted that while a new face is arriving, an old faithful could be leaving.
Danny John-Jules‘s character Dwayne Myers almost missed Christmas after Selwyn asked him to keep an eye on the victim of an attempted murder.
He disobeyed his boss’s orders so he could spend time with his father and Darlene covered for him.
During his holiday, he told his dad: “I’m going to be handing my badge in.
“I’ve just realised there are more important things I need to be doing in my life right now.”
Darlene found out and challenged him, saying: “A little bird tells me you’re hanging up your uniform to spend more time with your father.”
Death In Paradise started in 2011 and has welcomed four detectives so far to the island.
These are all of the actors who have played the lead detective in the hit BBC series so far:
Ben Miller as DI Richard Poole – Actor Ben played the first ever detective from seasons 1 to 2, and then returned as a guest star in the third and tenth series.
Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman. Next up My Family star took on the role for three years from series 3 to 6.
Ardal O’Hanlon as DI Jack Mooney. Father Ted star Ardal was a fan favourite and was the detective for three seasons from series 6 to 9.
Ralf Little as DI Neville Parker. The actor started in 2019 and is the longest-running star to have the detective role. He was on the show for four seasons from 9 to 13.
“Well, I couldn’t do both things,” he responded matter-of-factly.
Could it be the second time the character is about to leave Saint Marie for new adventures?
Death in Paradise is available on BBC iPlayer.
