Death in Paradise fans have rumbled a connection between the show's new detective, Don Gilet, and Midsomer Murders actor Neil Dudgeon. Earlier this year, the EastEnders villain was announced as Saint Marie's new DI and would replace Ralf Little.
However, eagle-eyed fans have seen Don in another police drama before, and it turns out, Don appeared alongside Neil in an episode of Midsomer Murders. The actor featured as a guest star in The Lions of Causton, the fourth episode of the 12th series of the ITV series.
Don played Bill Viner in the episode and according to IMBD, Bill's career "was ruined by Mark Adler (played by Nicholas Goh), when Mark fatally injured him in his knees after Bill got accepted into another team. He's also a recovering alcoholic."
The synopsis for the episode read: "Businessman Mark Adler is found dead in a cryotherapy facility associated with his formerly ailing rugby team, the Causton Lions, coached by Bill Viner, a former player his age, whose career was wrecked by a knee injury.
"Barnaby and Winter look into club rivalry, notably problematic star player Danny Wickham, and Belinda Braun and her grandson Dominic, who works as innovative festive pastry chef in the former family bakery now owned by Mark's widow Samantha."
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Taking to a Facebook fan page dedicated to Death in Paradise, one fan shared: "Can't wait to see Don Gilet as the new inspector. I think he will do a grand job but he hasn't met the Commissioner yet."
Another fan replied pointing out the connection to Midsomer Murders: "I finally made the connection when he was in Midsomer Murders, the rugby episode."
Pointing out that Don had actually featured in an episode of Death in Paradise before, one fan responded: "Also in Death in Paradise, Humphrey at the rum distillery with Mama Beth."
"Oh yes, that was a sad story," someone else commented.
The former soap star previously made a guest appearance in season four as Andre Morgan when Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman was the lead detective - and he turned out to be the murder suspect.
Midsomer Murders star responds to series 'change'
Don, who is currently filming for the upcoming series of Death in Paradise, will play the show's new detective inspector, Mervin Wilson.
His character will arrive on the fictional island of Saint Marie after travelling from London, but he won't be "overly pleased".
Speaking about his new role, Don said: "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.
"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."
Death in Paradise is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
