Don Gilet has addressed criticism of his Death in Paradise character DI Mervin Wilson, saying he has no obligation to justify the detective’s behaviour.
The 58-year-old, who became the show’s first Black British lead, took over from Ralf Little during last year’s festive episode.
Audience reactions to Wilson have been divided, with some viewers frustrated by his terse manner, irritable tone and frequent complaints about life on Saint Marie.
When asked if he felt the need to respond before this year’s Christmas special, Gilet firmly stood his ground and hinted at deeper character development.
DI Mervin Wilson (DON GILET) on set of BBC Death in Paradise
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BBC
“I don’t have to defend Mervin,” he told Radio Times.
He explained the character’s behaviour stems from long-standing insecurities around family and belonging.
“This family thing that he’s never had but he’s always wanted, now it’s there, and he’s frightened,” he said.
Mr Gilet promised viewers would see “a vulnerable side”, adding crime-solving is instinctive for Mervin, but emotion is not.
DI Mervin Wilson (DON GILET)
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BBC
“He can solve crimes with his eyes closed… What he’s not brilliant at is showing emotion, showing vulnerability,” the actor continued.
He suggested Mervin is slowly learning that family is not just biological, and that home is defined by comfort and connection.
Shaquille Ali-Yebuah, who plays Officer Sebastian Rose, said Mervin already has the family he is searching for.
“Officer Rose, Naomi… we’re literally the family that he’s never had,” he explained.
BBC Death In Paradise cast on set
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BBC
Ali-Yebuah said Mervin’s backstory helps make sense of his hardened exterior.
“He’s got a new brother, the situation growing up with no parents… now he’s come to the Caribbean, which is a different type of frequency,” he said.
He noted watching island-raised characters gradually soften Mervin has been “enjoyable to play”.
Meanwhile, the upcoming Christmas special presents the team with a confounding murder case.
Four colleagues on a work trip discover a stranger shot dead in their villa pool.
Investigators find the murder weapon, but it was reportedly locked in a drawer miles away in Swindon when the killing took place.
The mystery deepens when the victim is found with a reindeer’s name tattooed on his palm.
Beyond the puzzle, DI Mervin is distracted by personal turmoil.
DI Mervin Wilson
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BBC
He reached out to his newly discovered half-brother Solomon months earlier, but has yet to receive a reply.
The unanswered message prevents him from fully embracing Saint Marie’s Christmas celebrations.
Mr Gilet described this conflict as a powerful challenge: wanting to solve the crime quickly so he can confront his family situation.
The cast reprising their roles includes Shantol Jackson, Élizabeth Bourgine, Ginny Holder and Ali-Yebuah.
Guest stars include Josie Lawrence, Pearl Mackie, Billy Harris, Kate Ashfield, James Baxter and Alix Serman.
Mr Gilet admitted returning for his second appearance came with pressure, likening it to a musician’s “difficult second album”.
“I’ve got the Mercury Prize… now you’ve got to come back not with the same thing… not being complacent and pushing the story forward,” he told The Mirror.