BBC drops first look at Death In Paradise's new detective as Don Gilet takes over from Ralf Little - and he's already worlds away from his predecessor

Don Gilet has been pictured for the first time in Death In Paradise as the lead detective, Mervin Wilson. Don Gilet has been pictured for the first time as Death In Paradise's lead detective, Mervin Wilson The former EastEnders star, 57, will make his debut in a feature-length Christmas special later this year, before a brand-new series in 2025 'It's been a real pleasure filming such a beloved series alongside the hardworking cast and crew. Excited for fans to see what's in store, Don said: 'I am delighted to have returned to the wonderful island of Guadeloupe and this time to be stepping into the well-worn shoes of the Detective Inspector' Don has taken over the role from Ralf Little, who played Neville Parker for four years As the official Death Of Paradise Instagram account announced the news earlier this year, Ralf was quick to send his support Speaking about his exit on BBC Breakfast last month, the star admitted he had always planned for this series to be his last and felt he had to walk away for the sake of his character. As Ralf passes the torch to Don, the latter 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. Speaking about his exit on BBC Breakfast, Ralf admitted he had always planned for this series to be his last and felt he had to walk away for the sake of his character Fans were confused by the choice after Don first appeared on the show in 2015 - when Kris Marshall was the detective - playing a murderer who killed the owner of a rum distillery during a séance 'Even during those testing times when every sinew is screaming at me to run off the set and dive into the sea, swimming pool or an ice-cold beer – whichever happens to be closer at the time!'