Death In Paradise star Don Gilet addresses 'belittling' backlash aimed at BBC series

By Matt Jackson, Content Editor

Don Gilet has addressed a backlash aimed at Death in Paradise (Image: BBC)

Death in Paradise star Don Gilet feels criticism of the show’s white lead stars “belittles” the hit crime series.

The 57-year-old’s first outing at DI Mervin Wilson saw him jetting off to Guadeloupe, which doubled-up as the fictional Saint Marie. He follows in the footsteps of Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O’Hanlon and Ralf Little, who have all starred in the BBC hit.

And while the crime drama has won plaudits for its “winning casts” and idyllic setting, it has not been without its criticism. Metro TV critic Keith Watson said: “The idea of parachuting a policeman into a colonial setting because the locals weren't up to the job left a slightly sour taste.”

While Guardian essay writer Sirin Kale highlighted the “mostly Black” characters referred to the white lead as “Sir” as they “rely on him to solve crimes that are apparently beyond their wits to work out”. Don however says he chooses not to get drawn into the criticism of the show.

Don Gilet made his debut as DI Wilson (Image: Getty)

When asked about the criticisms, he told The I: “I’ve never got involved in that. I’ve been very lucky to get parts that an actor would want.

“I don’t put myself out there as a Black actor trying to get black parts or being given black parts because that would be very limiting. As far as I’m concerned, they wanted an actor who was best for the show.

“I don’t get caught up in the shade of my skin ... it belittles the show. It belittles me.”

Don’s role as DI Wilson isn’t his first appearance on Death In Paradise. He appeared on the wrong side of the law in 2015.

He says he remembered Kris Marshall for “being brilliant” while working in the warm conditions of the Caribbean island. But Don confesses he “never thought I could come back and do that job”.

Don Gilet on what to expect from new Death in Paradise detective

Sunday night's episode launched Don’s stint as DI Wilson with a feature-length episode centred around a double-murder when the officer was in Saint Marie. It was the fans’ first look at the new detective ahead of the upcoming series.

Don had previously revealed he wasn’t sure whether fans would warm to his character at first, almost walking out on his first day of filming. Some were even left clamoring for the return of Ralf Little’s Nevilla Parker.

On X, one write: "Bring back Neville! Not sure I like this new DI!"

A second said: “Can’t take to this new DI. I wish they’d kept the usual kind of DI character #DeathInParadise."

However, a third said: “The change over of DI in Death in Paradise is a bit like the change over of The Doctor in Doctor Who. Weird at first & you keep expecting to see the face you know & love, but you're sure before long it will feel like the new guy's always been there."