Saving SANTA!

Newcomer DON GILET and fan favourite SHANTOL JACKSON on why there's Claus for concern in Saint Marie

- STEVEN PERKINS

DEATH IN PARADISE
SUNDAY 22 DECEMBER, 8.30PM, BBC1 DRAMA

Never mind books, jewellery or a nice cosy jumper. The most exciting Christmas present for devotees of BBC1’s Death in Paradise is the arrival of a brand-new Detective Inspector in this year’s seasonal outing of the Caribbean-set whodunnit.

When tourist Stuart Fullwell (guest star Marcus Brigstocke) is found murdered while dressed as Santa, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) realizes he needs to step up his search for a new lead investigator. Luckily, London-based DI Mervin Wilson (Shetland’s Don Gilet) is holidaying on the sun soaked (fictional) island of Saint Marie, so arrangements are quickly made to have him seconded to the team. But Mervin hasn’t enjoyed his trip, and is horrified at the idea of sticking around!

To find out more, TV Times asked new recruit Don, 57, and returning cast member Shantol Jackson, 32, who plays DS Naomi Thomas, to share their case notes…

Welcome to the show, Don! How pleased were you when you got the role?