Death In Paradise star’s very famous girlfriend makes unexpected guest appearance on show
Death In Paradise star Don Gilet's very famous partner is making an appearance in the show tonight in a key role as the BBC show returns to our screens
Don Gilet is back to play DI Mervin Wilson(Image: BBC)
Death In Paradise star Don Gilet’s very famous girlfriend is making a guest appearance in the show tonight. The BBC detective drama is back for a new episode, with a famous face taking on a key role.
Siobhan Finneran, best known for her role in Happy Valley, has a guest part in tonight’s episode of the BBC crime drama. However, fans may not know but she is actually in a long term relationship with Don, who plays the lead role.
Don joined the BBC show as a replacement for Ralf Little, who played DI Neville Parker. Don’s character DI Mervin Wilson was visiting the island when he was roped into a case and then he ended up staying after learning he had a half brother.
Siobhan Finneran and Don Gilet(Image: ITV)
Tonight, the BBC show will air its third episode, with Siobhan playing Fleur Edwards. A synopsis for tonight’s episode reads: “Mervin and the team are left perplexed when a reclusive pensioner is shot dead in his home. Who on earth would want to kill this hermit? But a prime suspect is quickly established in the form of an unassuming accountant.
“The evidence seems damning; a figure matching the suspect’s description was witnessed fleeing the crime scene. And when questioned, there’s clearly something shifty about this guy. The only problem? He’s got a rock-solid alibi.
“The case takes a shocking turn when the police unearth a dark secret the victim was harbouring. Was this reserved retiree running from his past? Suddenly there’s a long list of people who would want him dead.
“Meanwhile, the Commissioner is determined to get the islanders back on side with a community focussed initiative. But tensions rise when Mervin goes rogue during the launch event.”
Speaking about his partner being in the new series, Don said: “‘I’ve got a surprise for you,’ I said [to Siobhan]. She thought I was gonna propose. ‘No, some acting.’ No, but she loved doing it, it was great working with her. She’s come a long way.”
Siobhan and Donn have been together since 2018(Image: Getty Images)
He quipped of one of her most famous roles: “I mean Happy Valley, Schmappy Valley. Have you not seen the stillness she creates in front of the camera since being with me? You can’t bottle it. There’s something about the way she acts now, there’s a confidence to her. She gets more work now. She gets more work now.”
The pair have been together since 2018 after meeting on ITV drama The Loch, where Siobhan starred as DCI Lauren Quigley and Don played the role of forensic psychologist Blake Albrighton.
Despite their long romance, the pair call two different parts of the country home. Siobhan lives in Saddleworth, which is in Oldham in Greater Manchester, whilst Don is based in north London.
She said of them living apart: “That’s just the way it is, isn’t it? That’s how it’s always been. And he’s out of the country for seven months a year doing Death in Paradise anyway. We are both off the telly. Other than that we’re pretty normal. You wouldn’t think we were a power couple this morning, both running around trying to get out of the house on time. Hopeless.”
