Death in Paradise season 14: everything we know

Don Gilet as Detective Inspector Mervin WiIson in Death in Paradise season 14
(Image credit: BBC)

Death in Paradise season 14 is officially filming with ex EastEnders star Don Gilet playing the new leading man, Detective Inspector Mervin WiIson.

Don will first be seen as Mervin in the 2024 Christmas special, before a full series begins in early 2025.

Don, who's also enjoyed parts in Sherwood, Shetland and Doctor Who, says: "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. 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!"

Ralf Little has departed the show as DI Neville Parker, leaving the show along with Florence in the final scenes of Death in Paradise season 13. Talking about leaving, Ralf said: "Coming into a series beloved by millions was a huge responsibility and I had no idea whether viewers would take to my interpretation of Neville's character, and indeed to me.

"It was quite a relief that the response has been overwhelming, and it’s been an absolute privilege and a pleasure to bring Neville Parker to all of you and to share his quite profound journey with you. I can't thank you all enough for the support over the last four and a half years. It’s been one of the most magical and profound experiences of my entire life. The team that makes Death in Paradise — the producers, writers, directors, crew, guest cast, and my magnificent co-stars — they know what they’re doing, and the future is in good hands. I can't wait to see what happens next. It’s been the ride of a lifetime".

Here's everything we know about season 14…

Death in Paradise season 14 release date

The last series started in February, so it's a fair bet Death in Paradise season 14 will be released in February 2025. If we're lucky it might even be in January 2025. US audiences will likely have to wait a fraction longer before it hits BritBox. Filming has now  taking place in Guadeloupe, where the show is shot.

Death in Paradise cast

DS Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson) and Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) stand on the beach inside a perimeter of crime scene tape. Naomi is holding a British passport, and the Commissioner is holding a mobile phone

DS Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson) and Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) are back (Image credit: BBC / Red Planet Pictures)

Don Gilet is confirmed as the new lead, Detective Inspector Mervin WiIson. Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, Élizabeth Bourgine and Danny John-Jules are returning.

Plot

Detective Inspector Mervin WiIson will be first be seen in the Christmas special, so the new series will be more about him or her bedding into the team. We have few details about Mervin except he's a UK cop called over to Saint Marie. He's not too impressed with island at first, but will he grow to love the place?

Is there a trailer?

No, not yet!

David Hollingsworth
Editor

David is the What To Watch Editor and has over 20 years of experience in television journalism. He is currently writing about the latest television and film news for What To Watch.

Before working for What To Watch, David spent many years working for TV Times magazine, interviewing some of television's most famous stars including Hollywood actor Kiefer Sutherland, singer Lionel Richie and wildlife legend Sir David Attenborough. 

David started out as a writer for TV Times before becoming the title's deputy features editor and then features editor. During his time on TV Times, David also helped run the annual TV Times Awards. David is a huge Death in Paradise fan, although he's still failed to solve a case before the show's detective! He also loves James Bond and controversially thinks that Timothy Dalton was an excellent 007.

Other than watching and writing about telly, David loves playing cricket, going to the cinema, trying to improve his tennis and chasing about after his kids!