Fans of the long-running BBC murder mystery series think there is a big twist coming for Saint Marie’s DI Mervin Wilson ahead of the upcoming return of the show
Mitya Underwood Senior Celebrity & Royal Writer
18:09, 05 Jan 2026Updated 18:14, 05 Jan 2026
Don Gilet as DI Neville Parker in Death In Paradise(Image: BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Philippe Virapin)
Death in Paradise fans think they have worked out a connection between Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson and one of character’s in spin-off series, Return to Paradise. Actor Don Gilet joined the BBC show in 2024 as Saint Marie’s latest man-in-charge, DI Mervin Wilson, taking over the role from Ralf Little’s DI Neville Parker.
He first arrived on the idyllic Caribbean island from London during the Christmas special to look into the suspicious death of his mum, Dorna Bray (played by Judith Jacob). He went on to solve the murder and uncover a surprise half-brother at the same time – before announcing he was returning to take on the role of the island’s DI full time.
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Mervin Wilson stepped into the well-worn shoes of Saint Marie’s Detective Inspector in 2024(Image: BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Lou Denim)
A new fan theory on Reddit now suggests there could be a second secret sibling awaiting discovery – but this time on the show’s spin-off series, Return to Paradise, which is set Down Under. Mervin’s Caribbean sibling is named Solomon Clarke, and one fan has theorised that given the protagonist of the Australian series is named Mackenzie Clarke (played by Anna Samson), there could be another family connection.
“Some time after Mervin Wilson is born, Dorna Bray gets together with ‘Mr Clarke’ and they have a child called Solomon,” the viewer shared. “The relationship doesn’t work out – Mr Clarke then moves to Australia, gets together with a new partner and they have a daughter called Mackenzie! Death in Paradise/Return to Paradise crossover!!”
DI Mackenzie Clarke is played by Anna Samson in Return to Paradise(Image: BBC)
In response, someone commented that it would “be cool” if the theory came true, adding: “I’m all for anything that keeps the character (and actor) around for a while… That would be nice for Mervin, going from being alone to now having a sibling or siblings.”
The return of the crime solving adventures on fictional Saint Marie is confirmed to be returning for a 15th series, and the episodes are expected to delve deeper into Mervin’s personal life.
This is not the first wild Death in Paradise theory, and a former cast member once revealed the show’s stars often became personally invested in the online chatter. Tahj Miles, who played Marlon Pryce until the 13th series, said previously: “[The fans] are always thinking ahead. I bet sometimes our writing team is reading these comments going, ‘You know what? That’s a good idea.’”
EastEnders fans will know Don as soap villain Lucas Johnson(Image: BBC)
Staffordshire-born Don, 58, is the fifth DI so far, following Ralf, Ardal O’Hanlon, Kris Marshall, and Ben Miller, whose character was murdered at the end of the third series.
On joining the popular show full-time, former EastEnders star Don said he was particularly excited to see how fans reacted to Mervin’s permanent appointment on Saint Marie. “It’s been a real pleasure filming such a beloved series alongside the hardworking cast and crew.
“I can’t wait for the fans to see how DI Mervin Wilson fares on the island, how he fits within the Saint Marie police team and what secrets may unfold…”
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