Death in Paradise star says ‘killer’ venomous animals spotted on set of BBC show
Don Gilet has disclosed that the Death in Paradise set in Guadeloupe is regularly invaded by venomous centipedes.
Don Gilet has disclosed that the Death in Paradise set in Guadeloupe is regularly invaded by venomous centipedes.
Death in Paradise is returning for a new series(Image: BBC)
Death in Paradise’s Don Gilet has revealed that venomous centipedes have been spotted on set.
The star shared that the cast frequently encounter scolopendras while filming the popular murder mystery series on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. And the critters have a nasty habit of sneaking into beds and shoes.
The actor, who portrays Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson in the BBC hit, revealed to the Daily Star: “There is a bug we often see when we’re filming… a scolopendra. They have got venom, and they kill.
“People have found them in their beds and in their shoes. I have seen a few of them already. I always do checks, so I don’t get any surprises!”
“These things are venomous, so when we see one on set, people who are from the UK are running around like it’s Nosferatu chasing them,” he added. “But the locals act like it’s just an ant.”
Don revealed potentially deadly bugs have been spotted on set(Image: BANG Showbiz)
Despite the potential danger, the 59-year-old actor isn’t overly concerned about being bitten by a scolopendra.
Don added: “If the locals are not screaming about it, I will think, ‘They’re not that scary.’ But I’ve not come in contact with any wild beasts on set so far.”
While he doesn’t mind the local wildlife, he does take issue with the racket they create at night.
Don commented: “I have an issue with how loud it gets at night. There’s quite a chorus going on. I’d rather they didn’t make so much noise.”
Death in Paradise is set to return for its 15th season on January 30, with a fresh batch of guest stars heading to Saint Marie to assist the police force in solving more murder mysteries.
Don plays Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson(Image: BBC)
Guest stars joining the cast include Happy Valley’s Siobhan Finneran and former EastEnders actress Scarlett Alice Johnson. Spooks star Hermione Norris, Ghosts co-creator and actor Ben Willbond, and Gavin and Stacey’s Steffan Rhodri have also got on board.
The synopsis for the forthcoming series reveals: “Whilst attempting to connect with his recently discovered half-brother Solomon (Daniel Ward), Mervin’s newfound familial happiness soon turns to frustration as he discovers the pair are not quite as similar as he hoped they might be.
“Elsewhere, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) is left facing the consequences of his recent absence from the island.
“After some no-nonsense advice from old friend Catherine Bordey (Elizabeth Bourgine), Selwyn sets out to rebuild trust – though winning back Saint Marie may prove easier said than done.
The show is set on the fictional island of Saint Marie(Image: BBC)
“Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson) and Officer Sebastian Rose (Shaquille Ali-Yebuah) help new recruit Sergeant Mattie Fletcher (Catherine Garton) find her feet.
“But with shadows from Mattie’s past beginning to surface, her arrival may bring more complications than anyone bargained for.”
