Death in Paradise star teases ‘big surprise’ ahead of new series
Death in Paradise has been recommissioned for two new series and two Christmas specials, with Don Gilet confirming filming is already underway.
Death in Paradise has been commissioned for another two series(Image: BBC)
There’s brilliant news for Death in Paradise devotees as filming for a fresh series has officially kicked off.
Actor Don Gilet, who joined the BBC drama in 2024 as the charismatic DI Mervin Wilson, has swiftly won over audiences and become a beloved fixture in the crime series. This week, the star took to Instagram with thrilling updates for fans, revealing that production is now underway for the programme’s next instalment.
Posting a snap of a clapperboard set against the stunning backdrop of the Caribbean coastline, he confirmed they were shooting their opening scene for series 15.
He captioned the post: “We are back & filming is underway, see you soon for Series 16! We’ve been recommissioned for two series, so there’s plenty more Paradise to look forward to! Plus, something really special is happening to kick off the next series, and there’ll be a big surprise to set it up in the Christmas episode.”
Death in Paradise has been commissioned for another two series(Image: BBC)
Fans wasted no time responding to the announcement, with countless viewers expressing their delight that production had resumed. One person wrote: “So so excited! Mervin is so missed by me.” Someone else wrote: “That is the best news!”
Another person commented: “Looking forward to it.” While one viewer added: “Amazing news!! Very exciting.” Not only are devotees of the BBC programme set to receive an additional two series, the broadcaster has also revealed there will be two Christmas specials featuring the returning ensemble, reports the Express.
Joining Don in his returning role, Don Warrington will also be reprising his part as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, while Shantol Jackson comes back as DS Naomi Thomas and Shaquille Ali-Yebuah returns as Officer Sebastian Rose.
Catherine Garton will likewise be back as Sergeant Mattie Fletcher and Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey. Additional guest stars and case details for the upcoming series will be revealed at a later date.
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, says: “Death in Paradise is a global phenomenon and we are incredibly proud to have it on the BBC, where it goes from strength to strength.”
“It’s with great pleasure that we share the news that we’ll be returning to Saint Marie for two more sun-soaked series and Christmas specials.”
Meanwhile, Tim Key, Executive Producer, Red Planet Pictures commented: “We remain incredibly proud of the show and the team that makes it, and delighted that the audience continue to love it as much as we do.
“The response to our latest series has been wonderful and we can’t wait to get started again – we’ve got something very special lined up to kick off our 16th season, with a big surprise setting it up in our Christmas special. Watch this space…”
