Death In Paradise fans are left baffled after Don Gilet is cast as Ralf Little’s DI replacement despite once playing a murderer on the show: ‘Did they think we wouldn’t notice?’

Death In Paradise fans were left feeling confused after Don Gilet was cast to play the show’s new detective, having already starred in another role on the series.

Don first appeared on the show in 2015 – when Kris Marshall was the detective – playing a killer who killed the owner of a rum distillery during a séance.

The former EastEnders star, 57, will now replace Ralf Little and don his detective hat in a feature-length Christmas special later this year, before a brand new series in 2025.

However, fans were baffled by the decision to cast him in a different role and took to X – formerly Twitter – to share their confusion.

One user mused: ‘Ah ha was in series 4 episode 1, I threw away 2 people! Guess avid fans wouldn’t notice! But anyway welcome Don Gilet, you will be brilliant because you are such a fantastic actor. I have to admit, some brilliant actors have lived through Death in Paradise.”

Others added: ‘I like him but I think this throws contingency out the window.’; ‘He’s already been in it as the murderer of his boss in a rum distillery… Why do TV shows have to keep doing this? I love Death in Paradise, but now I can’t watch because I only see him in the role he played in It.’;

‘This has the feel of Columbo…an actor who played a murderer and later comes back as someone else!’; ‘Yes, I didn’t like it then either, it’s not that difficult to maintain continuity.’;

“Are they going to acknowledge his previous involvement in the show, or are they just going to make him a new character? Twins maybe?’; ‘Wasn’t he a murderer in season 4? How are they going to explain that’; “Wasn’t he already a bad guy in this? In the Mama Beth episode?’

Although fans were confused by Don’s double appearance, it is not unusual for the show to take place.

His predecessor Ralf also appeared in a guest appearance on the BBC show six years before he was cast in the lead role.

Don plays Detective Mervin WiIson, who arrives on the idyllic island of Saint Marie from London and is none too happy with his new surroundings.

The star, who is also known for her appearances in EastEnders and Sherwood, has started filming in Guadeloupe alongside Death in Paradise regulars Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, Élizabeth Bourgine and Danny John-Jules.

Don said: “To be offered the new lead role in Death in Paradise feels like a much-loved and incredibly precious gem has been placed in my hands.

‘This is a big show, with a big heart and the love for it is constantly growing. My intention is to never lose sight of that and remain grateful, humble and committed.

‘Even during those test moments when every nerve screams at me to run off the set and dive into the sea, the pool or an ice-cold beer – whichever is closest at the moment!’

Tim Key, executive producer of Red Planet Pictures, added: “Don is a great actor and we are thrilled to have him join us as the show enters an exciting new era.

“We have big plans for the new series and beyond, and I can’t wait for audiences to meet Mervin and see what we have in store.”

It comes after former show leader Ralf Little, 44, left starring in Death In Paradise after five years with a final appearance in March’s series 13 finale.

In a video posted to his Instagram after the show, Ralf posted a lengthy message to his fans saying it was an ‘absolute privilege’ to play DI Neville Parker.

He said, ‘So there you have it! The secret is out! My time in Saint Marie has come to an end. But what an ending!

‘New adventures await Marcel and he got to sail into the sunset with his best friend, and you know, who knows what will happen to them next! I just want to say, thank you so much to everyone who watched and supported the show.

‘When I arrived here, four and a half years ago, I knew I had big shoes to fill. It was a huge responsibility to take part in a series that was loved by millions of people, including myself.

‘I had no idea whether viewers would accept my interpretation of Neville’s character, or me, so it was a relief that the response was overwhelming.

“It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to bring Neville Parker to all of you and share his truly profound journey with you. I can’t thank you all enough for your support over the last four and a half years, as Neville heads off to new challenges and adventures and I head off to new challenges and adventures.”

He continued: “When I look back on the time I spent on Death In Paradise, the way everyone took Marcel into their hearts, it was truly one of the most magical and profound experiences of my entire life. If it weren’t for you guys, I never would have had to do it. So thank you very much!

‘What now with the show? Well, I couldn’t even tell you if I knew, but I don’t! Don’t know! But what I do know is that the team that makes it, the producers, the writers, directors, the entire crew, the guest cast and of course my absolutely amazing co-stars.

‘They know what they are doing and the future is in good hands! So I’m going to watch series 14 with you with the same enthusiasm as all of you. I can’t wait to see what happens next!’

The actor recently insisted he had no idea who would be his successor.

In a recent Q&A on Instagram, he revealed: “I honestly have no idea and they didn’t tell me, maybe they had no idea yet.

‘Just like you, I am also eagerly waiting to see who will be next. No idea. But we’ll see what happens.’