The One Show
Death In Paradise star Don Gilet is the leading detective of the new series, but this is just the latest role in an impressive TV career.
Don Gilet, 58, made his debut as Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson, replacing Detective Inspector Neville Parker, on the BBC drama’s Christmas special.
Unfortunately he received a mixed reception and despite his character getting stuck in, some fans expressed how much they miss DI Parker.
Not every appearance on television has gone smoothly for Don over the years.
He experienced a chaotic interview on The One Show in 2021, and addressed contention over his character in EastEnders back in 2010.
Don also made a comment to former This Morning hosts Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield that left them shocked.
Read on as MailOnline takes a look back at some of Don’s awkward moments on television.
Don Gilet, 58, made his debut as Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson, replacing Detective Inspector Neville Parker, on the BBC drama’s Christmas special
Despite his character getting stuck in, some fans expressed how much they miss DI Parker, while others were happy with the casting
The One Show
Don appeared on The One Show back in March 2021 and was interviewed via video call by hosts Alex Jones, 47, and Michael Ball, 62.
However, the connection was unstable which made it difficult for the actor to hear the questions.
Alex repeatedly tried to ask Don, who was dressed casually in a T-shirt and baseball hat, about his role on EastEnders as Lucas Johnson.
As it became clear the star couldn’t hear, Alex began to speak louder to which Don snapped: ‘Alex, it’s not about shouting. It’s the signal!’
Apologising for the technical woes, Alex asked Don to simply discuss the storyline, but the soap star was тιԍнт-lipped on details surrounding Lucas’ exit.
He said: ‘I’m not going to tell you anything, it’s on in a few seconds, but, I found it quite moving to shoot. Put it that way.’
Before Alex could ask another question, the feed once again froze, leaving her and Michael to awkwardly bring an end to the interview.
Don appeared on The One Show back in March 2021 and was interviewed via video call by hosts Alex Jones, 47, and Michael Ball, 62
This Morning
Don made an unexpected comment when he appeared on This Morning to discuss a new ITV series, The Loch, with co-star Laura Fraser in 2017.
Chatting with Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, the pair asked the actors about the midges that are the notorious pests of Loch Ness, where the show was sH๏τ.
The presenting duo whipped out a pair of black mosquito net hats, which they donned for the occasion before saying they were for the two stars, should there be a second season.
Don suddenly exclaimed: ‘I though you were blacking up!’
Taking Holly and Phillip by surprise, Don added to the remark, saying: ‘Trying to make me feel welcome!’
A flash of panic sH๏τ across the presenters’ faces, given the racially-focused comment was made on live morning TV.
Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby wore mosquito net hats when they chatted to Don and his The Loch co-star Laura Fraser
Don made an unexpected comment when he appeared on This Morning to discuss a new ITV series, The Loch
EastEnders
Don played murderous Pentecostal preacher Lucas on EastEnders from 2008 to 2024 and in 2010, found himself defending the show.
During the soap, Lucas killed his first wife Trina as well as the ex-husband of his second wife Denise.
However, the storyline was hit with criticism at the time by viewers who felt it was offensive to Christians.
Don defended the plot and told BBC Newsbeat: ‘It’s not promoting or demoting Christianity, this guy is just not very well.’
He added: ‘I know there are a few people who are upset by it, but if you actually watch the show and invest in the story it’s not about religion.
‘It’s about one man’s warped view of life and he could have chosen any view to soak his madness into quite frankly.’
Don as preacher Lucas Johnson on an EastEnders episode back in 2010
Lucas with Libby Fox, played by Belinda Owusu, on EastEnders in 2010
