It's almost time to welcome DI Mervin Wilson.
Christmas this year will be doubly special for Death in Paradise fans, as not only is the show's now annual Christmas special set to air, but it will also be the introduction of a brand new lead detective.
After Ralf Little's Neville set sail at the end of season 13, the Saint Marie police department is in need of a replacement, and Don Gilet's new character, DI Mervin Wilson, is set to step in during this year's festive instalment.
Thankfully, fans don't have too long to wait till that moment, and we now know exactly when it will come, with the release date and time having now been confirmed on the schedule.
This year's Death in Paradise Christmas special is officially set to air at 8:30pm on Sunday 22nd December on BBC One and BBC iPlayer – get marking your calendars.
The episode comes at a good time for fans of the Paradise franchise, with a new spin-off, Return to Paradise, having just aired, and a Christmas special for the show's other spin-off, Beyond Paradise, also on the schedule.
When Gilet's casting was first announced, it was revealed that his character Mervin "isn’t overly pleased with his new surroundings" when he arrives on Saint Marie – which has certainly also been the case for some of the show's past detectives.
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Gilet said of being cast in the role: "Being offered the new lead role in Death in Paradise feels like a deeply loved and incredibly precious jewel has been placed in my hands.
"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."
Gilet will be joined in the cast for the feature length Christmas special by returning regular cast members Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, Élizabeth Bourgine and Danny John-Jules.
They are all expected to be back for the show's 14th season, which is expected to start airing soon after the special, taking fans into the new year.
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Death in Paradise will air at 8:30pm on Sunday 22nd December on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Season 1-13 are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
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