Death in paradise Star Don Gilet has admitted he was “terrified” at the prospect of replacing Ralf Little in the lead role.
In March it was announced that Little would be leaving the BBC crime series after four years in the role of DI Neville Parker. Gilet was confirmed as his successor in May after taking on the role of DI Mervin Wilson.
Gilet, who previously appeared in EastEnders And Holby CityHe will make his debut on the show in the upcoming Christmas special, with the star admitting he had big shoes to fill.
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“I'm sure it won't be a surprise to say it was equal parts exciting and terrifying,” he shared. “I liken it to one of those scary amusement park rides. I keep going and I know it will be scary but I will do it.
“You dare. Then you sit in the seat and you're like, 'What have I gotten myself into?!' But it was exciting because I knew I was embarking on this new journey,” he continued, before sharing his own experience while watching the show in the past.
“I looked at the style of the series and was fascinated by how they managed to balance the seriousness and gravity of a crime series – because there are murders!” – with the quirkiness from the character's perspective, which is her light touch and a comedic touch.”
Of course, the climate in the Caribbean is significantly different to what Gilet is used to at work, and the actor admitted that despite the natural beauty on offer, the conditions posed some problems.
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“It's intense because the heat is there from the beginning to the end of the day,” he said. “It does get to a point where you get used to it, but it requires an extra layer of concentration. You can't lower the temperature, but it's a beautiful backdrop for photography.
“Sometimes you have to pinch yourself and look at where you are and what you are doing. It's a beautiful place. I haven't had much of a chance to venture out to see how beautiful it is. Once you get used to the temperature, it’s a great job!”
Beyond paradise And Death in paradise Both will be broadcast on BBC One and streamed on BBC iPlayer.
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Reporter, digital spy George is a freelance writer specializing in films and television. After graduating from De Montfort University with a degree in film studies and journalism, where he analyzed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His taste in films varies from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible And John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.
