Death In Paradise’s return date revealed – forcing another show into a schedule shake up
DEATH In Paradise's return date is revealed but it forces another show into a schedule shake up.
Following his debut in the 2024 Christmas special, Don Gilet returns in the new series 14 of Death in Paradise.
The schedule shake up comes as Channel 5 are forced to move their mystery drama The Good Ship Murder to 8pm.
The move is to avoid clashing with the new series of Death in Paradise which airs on Friday January 31 at 9pm on BBC1.
In Death in Paradise, the former EastEnders actor - who played murderer Lucas Johnson - takes on the role of DI Mervin Wilson.
Saint Marie's latest lead detective is an abrasive Londoner who is decidedly unimpressed with what the island has to offer.
Death in Paradise
But there were mixed reviews from fans about the new arrival as they tuned into the festive episode.
One viewer tweeted: " Death in Paradise: It is only one episode, but I'm not gonna lie, I don't like the new inspector Melvin. I hope he goes maybe (he will be) murdered. That'll be cool."
Another chimed: "Worst detective inspector ever I certainly won’t be watching anymore."
However, some fans enjoyed his presence and said: "I like the new inspector, Mervin Wilson."
Most read in TV
The fan added: "I can see a romance hatching between him and DS Naomi Thomas."
A third commented, "Don Gilet’s face, when reluctantly walking out to greet the suspects for the denouement, was the final confirmation I needed that he absolutely nailed it. Well done to him and all involved. Such a great show."
A fourth agreed, writing: "Always a worry with a new lead DI - but each time casting has got it right. They don’t again. Don Gilet is perfect!"
Meanwhile viewers of The Good Ship Murder should be pleased at the new time slot, as they were left fuming after season two kicked off - and promptly issued a stark plea to show bosses.
The hit murder mystery drama, which stars ex Coronation Street actors Shayne Ward, 40, and Catherine Tyldesley, 41, follows the crime-solving duo as they investigate crimes aboard a luxury cruise ship.
Due to it being broadcast at 9pm on Channel 5, this prompted a huge schedule clash for those torn between watching the drama or the reality series The Traitors, broadcast at the same time on rival channel BBC One.
Timeline of Death In Paradise Detectives
Death In Paradise started in 2011 and has welcomed four detectives so far to the island.
These are all of the actors who have played the lead detective in the hit BBC series so far:
Ben Miller as DI Richard Poole - Actor Ben played the first ever detective from seasons 1 to 2, and then returned as a guest star in the third and tenth series.
Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman. Next up My Family star took on the role for three years from series 3 to 6.
Ardal O’Hanlon as DI Jack Mooney. Father Ted star Ardal was a fan favourite and was the detective for three seasons from series 6 to 9.
as DI Neville Parker. The actor started in 2019 and is the longest-running star to have the detective role. He was on the show for four seasons from 9 to 13.
They took to X to post: "Can someone explain to me why the first episode of #TheGoodShipMurder is on the same time as The Traitors?
"I'm already invested in the traitors so switching off sorry Shayne!"
Another exclaimed: "The biggest problem with #TheGoodShipMurder is that it clashes with The Traitors!
"Not the best planning is it CH5?"
One helpful fan then tried to suggest: "You can get it on 5 plus one or maybe late on My5."
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Hopefully with the schedule change and the Traitors finished by then viewers will be pleased that they can now enjoy both crime dramas.
Death In Paradise will air at 9pm on BBC1 and The Good Ship Murder will air at 8pm on Channel 5 on 31 Jan