Death in Paradise star opens up on off-screen connection to co-star Don Gilet
Death in Paradise newcomer Shaquille Ali-Yebuah has opened up on his off-screen connection his co-stars Don Gilet, who plays DI Mervin Wilson
Death in Paradise’s fresh face Shaquille Ali-Yebuah has spilled the beans on his past connection with co-star Don Gilet as they team up once again.
The 29 year old actor, who recently joined the cast as Trainee Officer Sebastian Rose, is rubbing shoulders with big names including the new lead detective Don, who stepped into Ralf Little’s shoes. Don, who made his first appearance in the 2024 Christmas special, is now spearheading his inaugural full season as DI Mervin Wilson.
Before Shaquille’s debut on the acclaimed series, he revealed a previous collaboration with Don on a separate project. Discussing what it’s like to work with his new colleagues, he shared that it was “amazing,” and mentioned: “I met Ginny in the audition, so we already had a good dynamic.”
Death in Paradise newcomer Shaquille Ali-Yebuah (
(Image: BBC))
He reminisced about working with Don before, saying: “Don Gilet and I had worked together years ago on a radio production, so it was great reuniting with him; and Shantol is Jamaican, so we had that bond there, too. The cast were so welcoming.
“Ginny introduced me to the local fisherman and juice man. Don Gilet was as new as I was, so we were both figuring it out. But I didn’t wait – I got a car and explored the island on my own.”
The rising star also revealed: “I went to every beach, market, and mall in my first two weeks. When I told the locals on set, they were shocked – they couldn’t believe I had found all these places on my own. But I believe if you’re going to be living somewhere, you need to know it inside out.”
Death in Paradise Don Gilet has a connection with his new co-star (
(Image: BBC))
Shaquille took centre-stage following the tragic loss of Officer Benjamin Brice. With the Honore Police Department understaffed, they desperately needed more manpower to crack the case, reports the Express.
After Mervin voiced the team’s concerns to Selwyn, the commissioner had a replacement in mind – Sebastian.
Although he finished his training ahead of Officer Brice, Sebastian was still waiting for a placement and had resorted to handing out flyers on the beach dressed as a pineapple. Now, he’s been kitted out in uniform and has joined the team, albeit on a “provisional basis”.
Death in Paradise airs on BBC One and iPlayer on Fridays.
