Former Emmerdale actor Simon Lennon is gracing our screens once again in the latest episode of Death In Paradise. The actor, known for his role as Ben Tucker in Emmerdale, portrays a reality show contestant named Jonny in the second episode of the new series of the tropical crime drama. When a murder disrupts the finale of an outdoor adventure game show, Saint Marie’s new Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) and his team are summoned to solve the case.
Simon, who has also featured in episodes of Grantchester and Bridgerton, and played Brains in Our Girl, is best recognised for his Emmerdale character Ben Tucker, who first appeared on the soap in 2020. Ben, who was Aaron Dingle’s boyfriend, met a tragic end at the hands of serial killer Meena Jutla, who bludgeoned him with a wooden oar.
Simon joins a star-studded list of guest appearances on Death In Paradise this season, including Doctor Who’s Michelle Greenidge, Brassic’s Bhavna Limbachia, Two Doors Down’s Siobhan Redmond, and Bridgerton’s David Mumeni. These stars join a prestigious roster of actors who have journeyed to Guadeloupe, where the series is filmed, including Helen Baxendale, Line of Duty’s Adrian Dunbar, Gavin and Stacey’s Mathew Horne, and No Time To Die’s Lashana Lynch.
In a candid chat with Radio Times last year, the show’s executive producer Tim Key revealed that it’s a breeze to get actors to jet off to the Caribbean for filming. However, there’s one particular actress he’s eager to cast who hasn’t yet accepted the invitation, reports the Mirror.
“I don’t think many of the guest cast need persuading [to come out to Guadeloupe for filming],” he shared. “They are very happy to come and join us and they have a good time. They are usually here between a week and a fortnight and we work them quite hard. But obviously there are days when they are less busy and can enjoy the sunshine! ” He also let slip that series creator Robert Thorogood has his sights set on featuring a real Dame in the show, a goal still unmet.
When probed about whether Dame Joan Collins was the Dame in question, Key responded with a knowing smile: “Her name has been mentioned before.”
(Image: BBC)
The hit show is now welcoming its fifth detective inspector, Don Gilet as Mervin Wilson, who made his debut in the 2024 Christmas special and has taken over as the lead detective, following the tenure of Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O’Hanlon, and Ralf Little.
Don, who once graced the show with a guest appearance in 2015, couldn’t hide his excitement about becoming the fresh face of Death In Paradise. Upon his casting news, he gushed: “I am delighted to have returned to the wonderful island of Guadeloupe and this time to be stepping into the well-worn shoes of the Detective Inspector. 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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