When DI Neville Parker’s time on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie as head of the Honoré Police Department came to a close, the search was on once again for a new DI to solve what seems to be an endless array of weekly murders on the tiny fictional picturesque island of Saint Marie.

DI Parker’s time on Saint Marie lasted a year longer than his predecessors with DI Richard Poole (Ben Miller) lasting 3 seasons only to have his time end on the island at the wrong end of an ice pick, DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) arriving to investigate the death of his predecessor and staying on the island permanently as the new detective for seasons 4-6, after his wife informs him she is leaving him.

Goodman’s replacement on Saint Marie was DI Jack Mooney (Ardal O’Hanlon), a recent widower who was grieving the loss of his wife and who assisted the team on a case in London. He remained on the island from season 6 until mid-way through series 9.

Mid-way through series 9, enter DI Neville Parker (Ralf Little) . DI Parker initially dislikes being on the island (surprise!) and has severe allergies, especially to mosquito bites. He comes to the island only because they need a British detective to sign off on a case, and is forced to stay longer after a period of illness renders him temporarily unfit to travel. Ultimately, he decides to remain on the island and eventually warms to the island lifestyle for almost 4+ series.

Coming to Saint Marie for S14 will be Don Gilet (Shetland, EastEnders, Sherwood) as Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson. DI Wilson comes from London who arrives on Saint Marie and, surprise, isn’t overly pleased with his new surroundings. While assisting with a case following a short trip, the team discover Mervin may have an ulterior motive for being on the island…

With filming on the Christmas special and S14 having wrapped in Guadeloupe, Gilet will first appear as Detectiver Inspector Mervin Wilson in the 2024 Christmas special which will also see Death in Paradise regulars Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, Elizabeth Bourgine and Danny John-Jules all returning.

Until then, DI Neville Parker (Ralf Little) takes us behind the scenes for a last look at S13.

Looking forward to this holiday season as the new DI heads to Saint Marie! How about you?