The BBC has announced a packed group of guest stars who will join brand new Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson, played by Don Gilet in his first appearance, on the ‘Death in Paradise‘ Christmas 2024 Special.
We’re back on the beautiful island of Saint Marie, and this time with a new detective inspector in tow. Londoner Mervin Wilson (Gilet) ruffles some feathers as he clashes with the island’s way of life. But he quickly sinks his teeth into one of the team’s most puzzling murder cases yet: three men, all unconnected apart from the fact that they’re dressed as Santa Claus, and seemingly all shot with the exact same gun at the exact same time.
As Mervin wrangles this impossible murder, his colleagues struggle with their new boss’s unusual working methods. And Dwayne’s Christmas with his father doesn’t exactly go to plan…
Jim Howick, Angela Griffin
Guest stars joining Don Gilet (Sherwood, EastEnders, The Beekeeper, Shetland) for his debut are Jim Howick (Ghosts), Angela Griffin (The Wives), Marcus Brigstocke (The Unbelievable Truth), Steven Hartley (Happy Valley), Elizabeth Carling (Hotel Portofino), Michael Salami (Supacell) and Dex Lee (Doctors).
The returning series regulars include Don Warrington as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, Shantol Jackson as DS Naomi Thomas, Ginny Holder as Officer Darlene Curtis, Danny John-Jules as Officer Dwayne Myers and Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey. The episode will also see Dwayne joined by his father, Nelson, played by Ram John Holder.
Marcus Brigstocke
Shot on the French Caribbean Island of Guadeloupe, the ‘Death in Paradise Christmas Special’ will be followed by a brand-new series in 2025, and fans can once again expect the perfect blend of exciting escapism, puzzling mysteries, and juicy plot twists set against an idyllic sun-drenched Caribbean backdrop.
‘Death in Paradise’ is the UK’s most watched returning drama so far this year across all broadcasters and streamers, with the 2024 series watched by over 8 million viewers. BBC Studios, who distribute the series, have now licensed ‘Death in Paradise’ to over 230 territories across the globe.
Steven Hartley
Following the successful launch of spin-off series ‘Beyond Paradise‘ last year, the ‘Death in Paradise’ franchise has built on its international success with new Australia-set spin-off series for ABC in association with BBC Studios Australia Productions – ‘Return to Paradise‘, launching Friday 22 November on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
‘Death in Paradise’ is a Red Planet Pictures production for the BBC made with the support of the region of Guadeloupe and internationally distributed by BBC Studios. The feature-length Christmas episode and Season 14 are executive produced by Tim Key and Amy Rodriguez for Red Planet Pictures and Danielle Scott-Haughton for the BBC, and series produced by Sue Howells.
‘Death in Paradise‘ Christmas 2024 Special does not have an exact premiere date but will air over the festive period on BBC One and iPlayer. If you want to keep track of this or any other show, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date.
