Death in Paradise star Don Gilet has teased the return of a familiar face in the upcoming Christmas special
Abbie Bray Deputy Editor for Screen Time
14:09, 27 Dec 2025
Death in Paradise star Don Gilet, who portrays Mervin Wilson in the BBC drama, has hinted at the comeback of a recognisable character in the forthcoming Christmas special. Speaking exclusively to Reach PLC alongside other media outlets, Don offered a glimpse into what viewers can anticipate from the festive episode, which broadcasts on Sunday evening.
Whilst remaining deliberately vague, Don revealed that audiences should prepare for the return of a familiar character, with some devoted viewers already speculating about the identity.
He explained: “It’s a very interesting thing to think about that one of the characters, who is the beating heart of this whole thing that has been there from the beginning, the thought that, from a character perspective, they may not be there anymore, and what hole that leaves.
“Because I suppose, in terms of family, they are the closest thing, and then to think, Mervin is back to feeling like an orphan again, just when he’s starting to embrace what Saint Marie has to offer.”
Addressing the UK crossover element in the Christmas episode, Don continued: “I think it’s great to see what the UK looks like at the very same time as Mervin is solving crimes in the beautiful sunshine,” reports the Express.
Don teased the return of a familiar face(Image: BBC)READ MORE: BBC Breakfast halted for emotional tribute as teen dies months after tragic diagnosisREAD MORE: BBC Breakfast host interrupts live broadcast to issue apology after blunder
The performer’s revelation follows Don Warrington’s unexpected cameo as Commissioner Selwyn Pattison in Beyond Paradise’s Christmas special, which transmitted last weekend. Selwyn was reunited with Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) and Martha Lloyd (Sally Bretton) during the couple’s long-awaited wedding ceremony.
The episode’s conclusion saw Selwyn receive a call from Mervin, seeking his assistance, leading viewers to speculate that the Commissioner will make an appearance in the upcoming festive episode.
Fans took to a Facebook group to share their theories, with one commenting, “What a surprise ending and lead into DIP Christmas special.” Another concurred, “Should be interesting, looking forward to it.”
Fans think the Commissioner will be in the Christmas special(Image: BBC)
A third chimed in, “Loved the crossover with Selwyn involved.” Another fan noted, “Intriguing about the Commissioner’s phone message, and hopefully we will find out in the DIP Christmas special.”
The synopsis for the holiday episode hints at a thrilling plot: “The office Christmas party of a lifetime takes a dark turn when four co-workers wake up to find a stranger dead in the pool of their Caribbean villa.
“DI Mervin Wilson and the team identify the murder weapon, but they’re left baffled when they find that it was locked in a drawer when the murder took place… thousands of miles away from the crime scene, in Swindon!
“Stranded in Saint Marie, the team enlists the help of a familiar face to solve the case. Meanwhile, Mervin anxiously awaits news from his newly discovered brother, which hinders him from fully embracing the Christmas festivities of Saint Marie. Can Mervin resolve his family issues and get into the holiday spirit – for the sake of his team and the island?”
Death in Paradise is set to air on Sunday at 8.30pm on BBC One.
