Death in Paradise star Don Gilet's life off-screen - from Happy Valley 'girlfriend' to famous ex-wife

Don Gilet has been on our screens for decades and will now join the Death in Paradise cast.

The actor, 57, is best known for playing EastEnders baddie Lucas Johnson, but away from Albert Square, he has also had roles in Holby City, The Loch, Sherwood and Doctor Who. He even had a guest part in Death in Paradise back in 2015. It has been announced that he will make his debut in this year's Christmas special of the Caribbean drama.

Don, who will portray Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson, couldn't be more excited to the land the role. He told the Mirror: "This is a big show, with a big heart and the love continually grows for it. It is my intention to never lose sight of that and to remain grateful, humbled and dedicated."

Don was born in 1967 in Walsall, West Midlands, and discovered his passion for acting at an early age. He went on to train professionally at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. His first on-screen role came in 1993 when he appeared in comedy Desmond's. He went on to star in Now What, The Return of Nick Cotton and Casualty.

His big break came in 2001 when he joined the cast of Babyfather and crossed paths with his future EastEnders co-star Diane Parish. The duo struck up a close bond and remain friends over 20 years later. In 2008, their careers brought them together again when Don joined Walford as pastor-turned-serial-killer Lucas Johnson.

Away from the cameras, the dad-of-one keeps his personal life largely out of the spotlight. Though he was previously married to fellow actress Tracy Whitwell, who started in Soldier, Soldier and Peep Show. They used to live together in Bedfordshire and share a 17-year-old son called Flynn.

Discussing his son in an interview with The Sunday Post back in 2014, Don said: "Flynn's eight and he's pretty rambunctious. I think he's got some of my playful genes... I have fun at work but when I get home I have to become a father and keep an eye on him not getting too wild. He's a lovely kid but he's very active and loves to run about the place. If you wind him up to play you have to allow the time to calm him before he beds down at night."

In more recent times, Don has reportedly been romantically linked to actress Siobhan Finneran, best known for playing Clare Cartwright in Happy Valley. The pair have never publicly confirmed their romance, though they appeared close at the TV Choice Awards 2024 and were spotted holding hands on the red carpet.

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