Don Gilet's rise to fame from EastEnders to Death in Paradise

Don Gilet has been cast as the new lead for BBC's Death in Paradise as DI Mervin Wilson, replacing Ralf Little following his exit from the crime series after five seasons.

Read more: Death in Paradise fans confused as Don Gilet named as new detective

The actor may seem new to some viewers, but he has had a long and illustrious career for decades that ranges from soaps to Hollywood blockbusters. Before he jets off to Saint Marie to solve crimes in the BBC series, Yahoo will examine everything he has done to date and why it is so exciting he is joining the beloved franchise.

Don Gilet's rise to fame from soaps to Death in Paradise

Raised in the West Midlands, Gilet launched his acting career in 1993 after developing an interest in the profession through his time at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.

He first began cutting his teeth on small parts in British TV staples like The Bill, Silent Witness and Casualty, before landing his breakout role in Babyfather in 2001. The actor went on to land a leading role in BBC detective drama 55 Degrees North, a suitable precursor to Death in Paradise one could argue.

The actor's venture into the world of soaps began with EastEnders, which he joined in 2008 as series regular Lucas Johnson. Gilet appeared on the BBC soap until 2010, and then returned to the series on an off-and-on basis between 2016 and 2024. In total he has appeared in 204 episodes thus far.

Lucas Johnson became one of the soap's biggest villains, with the pastor's reign of terror over Albert Square cementing his position as one of the greatest characters to appear in the series. The complex role is one that Gilet has relished over the years, with the actor comparing him to Jekyll and Hyde in the past.

Speaking with Metro during his 2020 return to the series, Gilet said: "All actors love being given the opportunity to play complex villainous characters and I’m no different in that respect.

"In real life I have not murdered anyone and have no villainous tendencies, so this was a happy challenge to step once again into Lucas’s shoes and out of my usual approachable, affable, cheeky-chappy persona."

EastEnders isn't the only soap that Gilet has starred in, the actor also appeared as Jesse Law in Holby City between 2014 and 2016. He landed a regular role after making a one-episode appearance on the series as a different character in 2002.

Gilet's work with the BBC has lasted for years, and the actor will also be familiar to Doctor Who viewers because of the important role he plays in the 2006 Christmas special The Runaway Bride. Viewers will remember that the actor played Donna Noble's (Catherine Tate) fiancé Lance, who is later revealed to be a villain working with the Doctor's enemy the Empress (Sarah Parish).

Other shows that Gilet has appeared on include Shetland, Sherwood, and The Loch. British shows aside, Gilet has also worked on big budget projects like Netflix's Harlan Coben series The Stranger and blockbuster The Beekeeper.

Jason Statham leads the action flick, which secured one of the highest box office results of the year thus far, and Gilet stars as Deputy Director Prigg. The action thriller marked his Hollywood film debut, where he appeared in scenes opposite The Umbrella Academy's Emmy Raver-Lampman and Bobby Naderi.

As well as working onscreen, Gilet has also lent his voice to an array of audiobooks and radio dramas such as The Sandman and Neverwhere. He has also appeared in Doctor Who and Torchwood audio-dramas over the years.

Gilet actually already has a history with Death in Paradise, as he took on the role of killer Andre Morgan during Kris Marshall's tenure on the series back in 2015. Fans of the show have pointed out this connection, but despite his previous appearance they are also excited about his new role.