Don Gilet is set to make his debut in the Death in Paradise Christmas special as the new lead detective, DI Mervin Wilson. This comes after the departure of DI Neville Parker, played by Ralf Little.
The 57 year old actor expressed both excitement and fear about stepping into his new role. Speaking ahead of the Christmas special airing on 22 December, Don compared the experience to a thrilling theme park ride.
"I'm sure it won't be a surprise to say that it was both exciting and terrifying in equal measure. I liken it to one of those scary rides at a theme park," he said.
I'm going on it, and I know it's going to be scary, but I'm going to do it. You're daring yourself. Then you sit in the seat going, 'What have I just let myself in for?!' But it was exciting because I knew I was embarking on this new journey."
Don, who played the villainous Lucas Johnson in EastEnders, also shared his feelings upon learning he had secured the lead role in Death in Paradise, describing it as a "relief" and something he had been "craving", reports Wales Online.
Don went on to say: "When I found out I felt this great sense of relief. This is what I've been craving. Then it was surprise: Wow. Really, me? It's a weird feeling for an actor when you get any job, no matter what role it is, because they like your craft and what you did in the audition.
"When I was in the room, there were four people to impress, and I managed to do it. It was a great reminder to me that, yeah, you can still do this. It felt like a little personal air-punch-without-anyone-looking moment."
The Death in Paradise Christmas Special will be Don's first appearance as DI Mervin Wilson. He is thrown straight into the thick of things as a new chapter begins in the BBC series.
The synopsis for the holiday episode reads: "When holiday maker Stuart Fullwell (Marcus Brigstocke), fresh from performing karaoke dressed as Santa, is found shot dead on the beach by a young boy Ollie - son of Jamie (Jim Howick) - the Saint Marie police team kick into action. But with no Detective Inspector in place of the recently departed Neville Parker, are they capable of tackling such a big case?
"With the pressure mounting, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) is relieved to receive some encouraging news as he learns a British detective is holidaying on the island. Following a somewhat disappointing solo trip, DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) is aboard a flight back home to London ready to take off, though is informed by his boss that he's to be seconded to Honoré, whether he likes it or not.."
Death in Paradise Christmas Special will air on 22 December
