Death in Paradise star brands new detective ‘rude and insensitive’
Death in Paradise star Shantol Jackson, who portrays Naomi Thomas in the BBC series, has opened up about new lead detective DI Mervin Wilson, played by Don Gilet
Death in Paradise star Shantol Jackson, who portrays Naomi Thomas in the BBC series, has opened up about new lead detective DI Mervin Wilson, played by Don Gilet
Don Gilet is due to make his Death in Paradise debut in the show’s Christmas special, after being cast in the lead role of DI Mervin Wilson. Don replaces former star Ralf Little, who played lead detective DI Neville Parker.
Ahead of his first appearance as DI Wilson, which will air on 22 December, Don and his co-stars have opened up about the new series of Death in Paradise. Actress Shantol Jackson, who plays Naomi Thomas, has revealed what her character’s first impressions of newcomer Mervin are, admitting things don’t get off to the best start between the duo in the festive special.
Speaking about Naomi’s first impressions of Mervin, Shantol said: “Rude, insensitive and impatient! During the Christmas special, Naomi and Darlene want Mervin to leave but they understand that the team need a Detective Inspector. He complains about the island a lot and is offensive, and that doesn’t sit well with her, or Darlene! She makes these feelings known to him, but she does realise that he is very capable and intuitive…”
However, Shantol’s experiences of working with actor Don are all positive. Speaking about welcoming her new co-star to Death in Paradise, she branded him “lovely” and a “jokester”.
“He’s lovely! He’s a jokester. I really enjoyed working with him. He comes to set every morning always ready to jump in and cares a lot about the other actors. Having people who come in and set the tone for the day like that, it really helps you, as well as the chemistry between the cast. He also plays just as hard as he works,” she revealed.
Shantol added: “He likes to have fun and he’s very aware that he’s coming into a system that’s been running for a long time, so he must come in and try to fit into something that’s already existed, and I think he did very well.”
The Death in Paradise Christmas Special synopsis reads: “When holiday maker Stuart Fullwell (Marcus Brigstocke), fresh from performing karaoke dressed as Santa, is found shot dead on the beach by a young boy Ollie – son of Jamie (Jim Howick) – the Saint Marie police team kick into action. But with no Detective Inspector in place of the recently departed Neville Parker, are they capable of tackling such a big case?
“With the pressure mounting, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) is relieved to receive some encouraging news as he learns a British detective is holidaying on the island. Following a somewhat disappointing solo trip, DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) is aboard a flight back home to London ready to take off, though is informed by his boss that he’s to be seconded to Honoré, whether he likes it or not…”
The Death in Paradise Christmas Special will air on iPlayer and BBC One from 8.30pm on Sunday 22 December
