Death In Paradise star Don Gilet says 'never' as he addresses 'belittling' show backlash

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Don Gilet, star of Death in Paradise, has expressed his views on the criticisms levelled at the show's predominantly white leading roles, saying such commentary "belittles" the popular crime series.The 57-year-old actor made his debut as DI Mervin Wilson, taking to the stunning location of Guadeloupe, which stands in for the fictional Saint Marie in the BBC show.

He joins an esteemed list of actors including Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O'Hanlon, and Ralf Little, all of whom have been at the helm of the hit show.Despite the acclaim for its charismatic ensembles and picturesque setting, Death in Paradise hasn't been free from reproach.

Metro TV critic Keith Watson remarked on the perceivably colonial dynamic saying: "The idea of parachuting a policeman into a colonial setting because the locals weren't up to the job left a slightly sour taste."Sirin Kale, writing for The Guardian, pointed out how the show featured "mostly Black" supporting characters deferring to the white lead, calling him "Sir", and depending on him to unravel crimes they cant seem to solve themselves.

However, Don opts to distance himself from these critical viewpoints. In response to the show's critiques during an interview with The I, he explained: "I've never got involved in that.