Top News

Don Gilet has issued a huge update on the future of Death in Paradise - and fans will be delighted. The actor, 59, has starred as the lead detective on the show since 2024, making his debut as Mervin Wilson in the Christmas special. Although it's been just over one month since series 15 concluded, Don revealed that filming for the next instalment is already underway.

Taking to Instagram, Don shared a photo of a film slate labelled 'Death in Paradise 16' He also revealed that fans can look forward to a 17th series, while teasing an exciting storyline connected to this year's Christmas special. He wrote: "We are back & filming is underway, see you soon for Series 16! We've been recommissioned for two series, so there's plenty more Paradise to look forward to!"

Don added: "Plus something really special is happening to kick off the next series, and there'll be a big surprise to set it up in the Christmas episode."

Fans can also expect the return of Don Warrington as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, Shantol Jackson as DS Naomi Thomas, and Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Officer Sebastian Rose.

Catherine Garton, who stars as Sergeant Mattie Fletcher and Élizabeth Bourgine, who plays Catherine Bordey, will also be back.

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, said: "Death in Paradise is a global phenomenon and we are incredibly proud to have it on the BBC, where it goes from strength to strength.

"It's with great pleasure that we share the news that we'll be returning to Saint Marie for two more sun-soaked series and Christmas specials."

Discussing the prospect of another series ahead of season 15, Don told Express.co.uk and other press: "It's been very much a fish out of water for me as an actor, to come in and step into something that's already got this... It's a juggernaut of a show.

"And to step into something like that and have that responsibility, it very much is daunting, and it continues to be daunting, because I never want to just rest on my laurels.

"It's coming back into, as I've always called it, the notorious second album, which was a great album. 'Can you come back and make the second album better?' Don't rest on your laurels."

He added: "So it's still very much a fun thing to come back and do, and as long as they want me to do it and I don't pass out in the heat, I'll do it."