BBC Death in Paradise’s Don Warrington applauds all-black cast amid ‘white savior’ detective backlash
Death in Paradise star Don Warrington has applauded the all-black cast which will debut during season 14 after many criticised Don Gilet’s arrival onto the show.
Gilet was announced to be joining the show last year as Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson and will be taking over from Ralph Little.
During the first episode and kicking off the explosive storylines, Warrington’s character Commissioner Selwyn is confronted with some “monumental” news.
He is rocked by the revelation that his position is due to be abolished and faces a huge decision about his future on the island.
Whilst the actor is fine with the outcome of the storyline, he has commented on the backlash the series has recently received due to the all-black cast.
Speaking to Radio Times, Gilet said: “There can be superficial ways one can be described and defined.
“If they were looking for the best actor to take on the mantle… then I’ll take it. The roles I go for, they’re not black parts.”
Backing the BBC’s decision, Warrington added: “In a way, I can’t emphasise it enough, and in another way, I can’t say more than that.
“I think to see a black lead in the most popular show on the BBC is a wonderful thing.”
When asked whether it was a positive change for the future, he added: “Well, one hopes so. One is tentative about these things because if we look at it in a broader political spectrum, the world is in a strange place at the moment.”
The BBC has teased what is to come for the new series which reads: “We’re transported back to the tropical island of Saint Marie, and this time with a new Detective Inspector in place.
“But will DI Mervin Wilson remain in the job for long? Following the recently cracked case of ‘who shot the Santas?’, along with the revelation that his estranged mother has passed away, Mervin is ready to get back home and leave the island for good.
“But when a case close to the hearts of those at the station presents itself, is he tempted to extend his stay?
“As Mervin continues to ruffle feathers, the police team pull together to solve some of the island’s most confounding cases yet.
“Elsewhere, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) must deal with momentous news from the Chief Commissioner in Jamaica that rocks the police department to its very core.
“As an unexpected foe attempts to enforce the unfathomable, Catherine (Elizabeth Bourgine), in her role as Mayor, acts as the last line of defence in a battle to save the team as we know it.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Lulu, 76, ‘thrilled’ and leaves fans excited with major career announcement amid tour retirementJeremy Clarkson delivers health update after lifestyle overhaul as he delves into strict changes22 Kids and Counting’s Harley Passmore ignores backlash to family absentees at wedding
“In an unexpected twist, Naomi (Shantol Jackson) finds herself at an emotional crossroads when an old flame from St Barnabas makes a surprising appearance on the island, while Darlene (Ginny Holder) becomes a mentor when a new officer joins the ranks, but is left questioning whether she’s the right person for the job.
“And with the opportunity to learn more about his mother’s life, Mervin begins to discover things may not be all that they seem in Saint Marie.
“As everything he thought he knew unravels, will his life ever be the same again?”