Death in Paradise returns to our screens for its fourth Christmas special – which also marks the arrival of Don Gilet’s Mervin Wilson, the show’s new lead detective, following Neville Parker’s departure in the season 13 finale.
“Being offered the new lead role in Death in Paradise feels like a deeply loved and incredibly precious jewel has been placed in my hands,” said Gilet.
“This is a big show with a big heart, and the love continually grows for it. It is my intention to never lose sight of that and to remain grateful, humbled and dedicated.
“Even during those testing times when every sinew is screaming at me to run off the set and dive into the sea, swimming pool or an ice-cold beer – whichever happens to be closer at the time.”
Executive producer Tim Key added: “Don is an amazing actor and we’re delighted that he’s joining us as the show enters another exciting new era.
“We’ve got huge plans for the new series and beyond, and I can’t wait for the audience to meet Mervin and to see what we’ve got in store…”
In this year’s festive episode, “Londoner Mervin Wilson ruffles some feathers as he clashes with the island’s way of life”.
“But he quickly sinks his teeth into one of the team’s most puzzling murder cases yet: three men, all unconnected apart from the fact that they’re dressed as Santa Claus, and seemingly all shot with the exact same gun at the exact same time,” adds the official synopsis.
“As Mervin wrangles this impossible murder, his colleagues struggle with their new boss’s unusual working methods. And Dwayne’s Christmas with his father doesn’t exactly go to plan.”
Alongside the show’s latest newcomer, a number of familiar faces have returned for the festive episode, plus a top-tier assortment of guest stars.
Read on for everything you need to know about the characters and where you’ve seen the actors who play them before.
Death in Paradise Christmas special cast
Death in Paradise. BBCThe main cast of Death in Paradise is as follows:
Don Gilet as Mervin Wilson Don Warrington as Selwyn Patterson Shantol Jackson as Naomi Thomas Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey Ginny Holder as Darlene Curtis Danny John-Jules as Dwayne MyersDon Gilet plays Mervin Wilson
Don Gilet plays Mervin Wilson. BBC/Red Planet Pictures/Lou DenimWho is Mervin Wilson? The detective inspector is on holiday in Saint Marie when his boss back in London asks him to help Honoré Police solve a double murder and an attempted murder in Neville Parker’s absence. But he’s reluctant to stay on the island, so much so that he cut his vacation short.
What else has Don Gilet been in? He’s best known for EastEnders, Holby City and 55 Degrees North. You might also recognise him from Shetland, Sherwood, The Stranger and The Loch.
Don Warrington plays Commissioner Selwyn Patterson
Don Warrington plays Selwyn Patterson. Red Planet Pictures/Denis GuyenonWho is Selwyn Patterson? Commissioner Selwyn Patterson has been an integral part of Death in Paradise since the first season and oversees the running of the island’s police department. In season 12, Selwyn discovered that he has a grown-up daughter, which he found difficult to process at first. At the beginning of season 13, his life hung in the balance after he was shot. But he made a full recovery after a tricky initial adjustment period.
What else has Don Warrington been in? Warrington has appeared in countless productions on stage and screen. with highlights including playing Philip in Rising Damp, and appearing in Doctor Who’s Rise of the Cybermen back in 2006. In 2008, he took part in Strictly Come Dancing, in which he was partnered with Lilia Kopylova.
Shantol Jackson plays Naomi Thomas
Shanton Jackson plays Naomi Thomas in Death in Paradise. BBCWho is Naomi Thomas? Sergeant Thomas joined in season 11 and fast became an integral member of the team. Prior to her entrance, she had never been part of a murder investigation before, but quickly adapted. In last year’s festive episode, she made a move on her former colleague Marlon after one too many cocktails, but later regretted her decision.
What else has Shantol Jackson been in? Death in Paradise was something of a career breakthrough for Jackson, but she previously appeared in a small role in Idris Elba’s film Yardie and had a main part in 2018 sports movie Sprinter.
Élizabeth Bourgine plays Catherine Bordey
Élizabeth Bourgine plays Catherine Bordey. BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Denis GuyenonWho is Catherine Bordey? Catherine Bordey is the island’s mayor and owns her own beachfront bar. She’s also a solid advice-giver and previously jumped at any chance to set Neville up on a date.
What else has Élizabeth Bourgine been in? Like Jobert, Élizabeth Bourgiune is French and has appeared in several shows and movies in her home country, including Private Lessons, A Heart in Winter and My Best Friend.
Ginny Holder plays Darlene Curtis
Darlene Curtis plays Ginny Holder. BBCWho is Darlene Curtis? We first met Darlene in season 7 when she entered the frame as Dwayne Myers’s love interest. She was initially the police station’s office admin, but she’s now a key part of the team.
“She goes from trainee to Officer extraordinaire, which is major for her,” said Holder. “She’s still quite feisty. She can never lose that because it’s so needed.”
What else has Ginny Holder been in? Holder is best known for her role in Holby City, but has also starred in Doctors, DCI Banks, The Capture and Ragdoll.
Danny John-Jules plays Dwayne Myers
Danny John-Jules as Dwayne Myers and Elizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey. Red Planet Pictures/Philippe VirapinWho is Dwayne Myers? Dwayne was a long-serving police officer at Honoré Police Station, appearing in 57 episodes of the show – and knew the island of Saint Marie better than anyone. He previously left to spend time with his estranged father in London, who was ill. He did briefly return in the 2021 Christmas special, before exiting once again, but he’s now been back a while. It remains to be seen how long he sticks around for.
What else has Danny John-Jules been in? John-Jules is best known for Red Dwarf, while other credits include a role on CBBC children’s spy drama MI High and CBeebies series The Story Makers.
Death in Paradise Christmas special guest stars
Danny John-Jules as Dwayne Myers, Michael Salami as Tyrus Demille and Ram John Holder as Nelson Myers. Red Planet Pictures/Philippe Virapin Ram John Holder (Desmond’s, Rocket’s Island, Coronation Street) plays Nelson Myers – Dwayne’s father. Marcus Brigstocke (Have I Got News for You, QI, Would I Lie To You?) plays Stuart Fullwell – he’s on a Christmas break with his wife-to-be. Stuart is found dead on the beach wearing a Santa costume. Angela Griffin (The Wives, Coronation Street, Waterloo Road, Holby City, White Lines) plays Tabitha Reed – Stuart’s fiancée. She is seemingly crushed by his death. Steven Hartley (The Bill, EastEnders, Doctors) plays Tony Hurst – a songwriter who’s working on his memoir. Tony is found dead in his villa, also wearing a Santa costume. Jim Howick (Ghosts, Sex Education, Horrible Histories) plays Jamie Barton – he works for a council. Jamie is staying at the same hotel as Stuart. Charles Stagg plays Ollie Barton – Jamie’s young son. He finds Stuart’s body on the beach. Elizabeth Carling (Casualty, Hotel Portofino, Goodnight Sweetheart) plays Karla Hammond – she owns a luxury design business and is staying at the same hotel. Michael Salami (Hollyoaks, Supacell) plays Tyrus Demille – he owns his own market stall. On the night Stuart and Tony are killed, he’s also shot at while walking home dressed as Santa. Dex Lee (Doctors) plays Kenny Simmons – he works at the hotel where Stuart and co are staying. Joy Richardson (Silent Witness) plays Brianna Clemetson – she accuses Mervin of being the murderer.Death in Paradise former cast members
Ben Miller played Richard Poole
Who is Richard Poole? The first lead detective to feature on Death in Paradise, Richard Poole was a very accomplished detective – who was shockingly murdered in the first episode of season 3.
What else has Ben Miller been in? Miller is well known as one half of the comedy double act Armstrong and Miller alongside Alexander Armstrong, while other major titles include Professor T, Bridgerton, Suspect and Paddington.
Kris Marshall played Humphrey Goodman
BBCWho is Humphrey Goodman? Poole’s replacement on Saint Marie, Humphrey Goodman arrived on the island in season 3 and became chief inspector. He enjoyed life in Saint Marie and was known for solving mysteries very quickly. He left to start a new chapter with his girlfriend Martha and they now have their own spin-off, Beyond Paradise.
What else has Kris Marshall been in? Marshall ...
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