A new festive episode of Death in Paradise will be airing on the BBC very soon and will mark the first appearance of Saint Marie's new Detective Inspector.

Don Gilet is stepping into the shoes of Ralf Little, who departed at the end of the previous series.

Playing DI Mervin Wilson, he'll be teaming up with the usual cast members to solve a spate of Christmas-related murders.

A synopsis of the episode on the BBC website reads: "When holidaymaker Stuart Fullwell (Marcus Brigstocke), fresh from performing karaoke dressed as Santa, is found dead on the beach by a young boy Ollie - son of Jamie (Jim Howick) - the Saint Marie police team kick into action.

"But with the death clearly murder, and no Detective Inspector in place of the recently departed Neville Parker, are they ready to tackle such a big case?

"With the pressure mounting, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) is relieved to discover that 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, when he is informed by his boss that he needs to stay on Saint Marie - whether he likes it or not…"

When Gilet's casting was first announced, it was revealed that his character Mervin "isn’t overly pleased with his new surroundings" when he arrives on Saint Marie – which has certainly also been the case for some of the show's past detectives.

Speaking with the Radio Times on being cast in the role, he 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."

Like last year's Christmas Special, the episode will be feature-length at 90 minutes.

BBC Death in Paradise Christmas Special 2024 full cast

  • Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson
  • Shantol Jackson as DS Naomi Thomas
  • Danny John-Jules as Officer Dwayne Myers
  • Ginny Holder as Officer Darlene Curtis
  • Don Warrington as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson
  • Elizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey
  • Ram John Holder as Nelson Myers
  • Marcus Brigstocke as Stuart Fullwell
  • Jim Howick as Jamie Barton
  • Steven Hartley as Tony Hurst

Recommended reading:

  • Michael Salami as Tyrus Demille
  • Angela Griffin as Tabitha Reed
  • Elizabeth Carling as Karla Hammond
  • Dex Lee as Kenny Simmons
  • Joy Richardson as Brianna Clemetson

When will the BBC Death in Paradise Christmas Special 2024 be on TV?

Death in Paradise's 2024 Christmas Special will air at 8.30pm on BBC One on Sunday, December 22.